Though it may be hard to believe, running back C.J. Davidson did not come to Clemson to play football, at least not at first. The redshirt graduate was originally recruited as a track athlete.

Davidson was a standout long jumper and triple jumper at nearby Daniel High School where he took his talent to Clemson on a track scholarship.

Before Clemson, Davidson was a three-year region champion in both the long jump and triple jump, but his track success did not stop there. Davidson finished ninth in the ACC Indoor Championships in the long jump and 10th at the ACC Outdoor Championships in the triple jump.

However, Davidson knew he could use his speed and athleticism to provide an impact at running back for Clemson’s football team. Davidson was no stranger to football though, having played both receiver and running back in his time as a Lion, but his split interest between track and football led him to have to make some difficult decisions.

After spending 2011-2012 with the track team, Davidson decided to give it all up to walk on the football team. It has been quite a ride since then.

“I’m a football player now, and I’ve been a football player. Everybody was always talking about that I came from track and I came off the street, but I played football in high school, and that’s something that I wanted to do,” the speedster said prior to the start of the 2014 season.

In his first season with his new team, Davidson only played in two games and recorded five yards on two carries, but the coaches utilized his talents more in 2013 when he had 155 yards and four touchdowns on 34 carries as well as four receptions for 40 yards.

Davidson played 109 snaps over 10 games that season and earned even more playing time in 2014, where he played a large role in Clemson’s rotation of running backs. He ended up totaling 248 yards and three touchdowns on 64 carries while having nine receptions for 60 yards in 172 snaps.

Davidson appeared in all 13 games but set a milestone by starting in his first game against Florida State. In that game, he recorded a game-high 54 yards on 12 carries.

Although Davidson had a good season in 2014, running back Wayne Gallman emerged as the starter by the end of the year.

In 2015, Clemson’s running game began to stray away from the run-by-committee approach as Gallman separated from the pack.

Davidson still appeared in 12 games in his final season as a Tiger. In 2015, he had 60 rushing yards on 22 carries, but he was a part of an offense that dominated teams with the run.

Although Gallman and quarterback Deshaun Watson contributed the most to the running game, Davidson’s veteran leadership proved to be valuable.

If you haven’t already order your copy today of Guts & Glory – Tales of Clemson’s Historic 2015 Football Season to help you celebrate and remember this special season.