Mafah Positioned Well Going Into Clemson's Stretch Run

Clemson Football News

When 5-star running back Will Shipley went down with an injury at the start of fall camp, fans and media alike wondered how the offense would hold up with an replacing him.

Three games into the season, it appears that the Tigers don't have much to worry about, as freshman running back Phil Mafah has stepped into the spotlight and played very well in the early going.

Already, Mafah has rushed for over 200 yards and three touchdowns, and has impressed coaches and fans with his toughness and running style.

"Phil is a so smart", Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney said. "He picks up things really quickly. He's a natural runner. He's got great vision. He's got great balance. He's got great burst. He can catch the football. He's a complete back."

Mafah's impact has been most noticeable in the running game, where his bruising running style has helped take the pressure off of quarterback DJ Uiagalelei. In the first three games of the season, Mafah has averaged over four yards per carry, and has scored at least one touchdown in each game.

But Mafah has also been a contributor in the passing game. He's caught four passes for 32 yards, and has shown good hands and route running ability.

"He's a very versatile player", offensive coordinator Tony Elliott said. "He can do a lot of different things for us. He's a real weapon for us."

With Shipley still out with an injury, Mafah is expected to continue to be the Tigers' lead back going forward. And if he continues to play the way he has in the first three games, he could be a major factor in Clemson's offense for years to come.