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Clemson rusher Will Shipley is pondering his decision to either return to campus or enter the NFL Draft. It seems that a new signee already knows which way he’s leaning, and he outed that choice in a recent interview.
Hevin Brown-Shuler was asked about his upcoming college career this week, and he dropped a tidbit about the Tigers’ running back room.
The defensive lineman is expected to get to Clemson in the summer. A four-star recruit, Brown-Shuler hopes to follow in the footsteps of former Tiger greats along the front four.
While both chatting about his recruitment and previewing his future with the program, he (maybe unintentionally) filled readers in on Shipley’s unknown decision.
Here’s more from Anna Adams of 24/7 Sports:
Brown-Shuler was asked about his Clemson peers, and he named difference-makers in his class.
“From a defensive standpoint, I think Sammy Brown will make the biggest difference for sure,” Brown-Shuler said. “Sammy Brown and Tavoy Feagin, and Champ Thompson. Offensively, Christian Bentancur, TJ Moore, and Bryant Wesco. And David Eziomume, because Will Shipley is leaving. So Eziomume will be under Phil Mafah, a great running back, so it will be great for David to learn from him.”
Is Will Shipley NFL Draft bound?
The star running back has been with the Clemson program since 2021, becoming one of the Tigers’ most productive players as a freshman.
Over the last three seasons, he’s rushed for more than 2,700 yards while adding 600 receiving yards and 900 return yards. As a sophomore, he became the ACC’s first player to be selected first-team all-conference in three different categories (RB, AP, specialist).
A dynamic talent, his production took a hit as a junior as he recorded a career low in total touchdowns. He also saw a significant drop in rushing and receiving yardage from Year 2 to Year 3.
Still, he’s listed as the No. 2 running back prospect in the upcoming NFL Draft by CBS Sports.
That’s caused him to mull over a potential jump to the professional ranks. While he projects to be a Day 2 pick, he may not be able to climb draft boards much more given the league’s shift in running back usage.
Many have speculated on that pending decision, but nothing has been made public from Shipley’s camp.
He suffered what looked to be a gruesome injury in Clemson’s bowl game win over Kentucky but received good news after the fact. The setback won’t require surgery.
That likely weighs on his draft decision, potentially making the quick jump to the NFL the more attractive choice.
Shipley hasn’t made his mind up (publicly), but thanks to Hevin Brown-Shuler, it seems we already know what he’s thinking.
*Update*
Will Shipley officially declared for the NFL Draft late Wednesday night, confirming Brown-Shuler’s comment.
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