Gideon Davidson excited about run-heavy offense under new Clemson OC Chad Morris

Clemson running back Gideon Davidson didn’t need long to get excited about the Tigers’ new offensive system.

When offensive coordinator Chad Morris told the offense he wants to run the ball around 40 times per game, the sophomore running back immediately saw opportunity.

“Just excitement,” Davidson said during spring practice. “Very excited when he said that he likes to run the ball about 40 times a game. That really made me excited and happy. I just thought, here’s an opportunity to improve my skills and allow me to get more yards.”

Morris’ offense has already brought a noticeable change to Clemson’s spring practices. Davidson said the pace is significantly faster than what the Tigers ran last season.

“The tempo has definitely been faster,” Davidson said. “Speed’s a lot faster. Just the right play calling. He understands the first downs and when to call plays.”

Practices now feature more plays and quicker transitions between drills, something Davidson said the offense has quickly adjusted to.

“It definitely sped up for sure,” Davidson said. “But after a couple of practices and a couple of tempo periods, it got comfortable. We’re getting a lot more plays in.”

Morris previously coordinated Clemson’s offense from 2011–14 during one of the most explosive stretches in program history. Davidson said he went back and studied film from that era to better understand what the system could look like.

“I actually did,” Davidson said. “I went back and watched the 2011 to 2014 seasons when he was here. I watched when Tajh [Boyd] was here, too, and really got some of the concepts.”

That film study included watching former Clemson running backs Andre Ellington and Wayne Gallman thrive in the system.

“I was in shock,” Davidson said. “Wayne Gallman is one of the greatest to ever do it here. It was really exciting to watch that. I kind of want to model my game after him.”

For Davidson, the scheme’s commitment to the run game is particularly appealing.

“It really was exciting when he said we like to run the ball to throw it,” Davidson said.

Davidson played a limited role as a freshman but hopes increased opportunities in Morris’ system will allow him to expand his game.

Looking back at his first college season, Davidson said there were plenty of lessons.

“I felt like I left a lot of yards out there,” Davidson said. “This season I’m really working on reading keys, reading blocks, cutting up field, and getting north and south.”

The biggest adjustment from high school, he said, was the speed of the game.

“Everybody on the field is good,” Davidson said. “College isn’t anything like high school.”

Even with Morris’ emphasis on the run, Davidson expects Clemson’s running back room to rely on depth throughout the season.

“I think the competition is great,” Davidson said. “We’re definitely going to have a lot of depth. We’re all learning these new plays and learning a new scheme.”

If Morris’ vision comes to life, the Tigers’ backfield could be in for a busy season.

And for Davidson, that’s exactly what he’s hoping for.