Clemson depth chart takes a hit with former 4-star RB entering transfer portal

Former four-star running back Chez Mellusi is leaving the Clemson football program.

After three years with the Clemson football team, former four-star running back Chez Mellusi has entered the transfer portal.

Mellusi was third on the depth chart behind Lyn-J Dixon and Kobe Pace ho are competing for the starting running back left open with the departure of Travis Etienne. Mellusi committed to Clemson over Miami and Notre Dame out of high school.

Clemson football: Chez Mellusi shakes up Tigers depth chart with transfer

The Naples, Florida native could end up at Miami, Notre Dame or some other Power 5 school. Not only will Dixon and Pace compete for the featured back role at Clemson this year, but there is a strong chance they will be pushed by 2021 five-star Will Shipley. He was the No. 1 all-purpose back coming out of high school and the No. 2 overall prospect out of North Carolina.

However, because Shipley lost his senior season because of COVID canceling his season, he could be eased into the rotation and even redshirt as a freshman. So it’s really Dixon and Pace who could end up sharing the role. For the first time in a long time, Clemson has questions at running back.

While losing Mellusi does ding the Tigers in terms of running back depth and in-game experience to some extent, Clemson has plenty of horses in the stable to offset the loss of the former four-star commitment. It is abundantly clear that what Mellusi wants more than anything is an opportunity to compete for a starting job.

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