Clemson football: 3 breakout stars for the Tigers in 2022
By John Buhler
Pick Analysis. 1. player. 879. Scouting Report. RB. Clemson Tigers. Will Shipley
If Clemson wants to make the playoff, Will Shipley will need to have a big season
Not going to lie, perhaps a bit too much pressure was placed on running back Will Shipley a year early? The five-star was tasked with being the heir apparent to Travis Etienne as the focal point of the Clemson ground game as a true freshman. Yes, Shipley had his moments, but Tigers fans should be in store for a breakout campaign for the highly-touted running back this college season.
See, it will serve the Clemson offense to be a tad ground-centric, at least initially. The offense will have to adjust to life without offensive coordinator Tony Elliott, who now leads the Cavaliers in Charlottesville. Not only that, but it has been well documented that D.J. Uiagalelei has not exactly run away with the starting quarterback job yet. Shipley playing well would really help him along…
In the chance it presents itself that Uiagalelei is not the guy, having a running back you can lean on will go a long ways towards helping true freshman Cade Klubnik have his greatest shot at success, should he be inserted into the starting lineup. Regardless, there will be plenty of opportunities for Shipley to showcase to everyone as to why he was a five-star recruit coming out in the first place.
If Shipley has his breakout season in the Tigers backfield, Clemson can definitely make the playoff.
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