Clemson has used its top running back all over the field the last two seasons.

When it comes to the Tigers’ new offense, Will Shipley is expecting the diversification to his game to go to another level next season.

Shipley has been repping in Garrett Riley’s air-raid system for nine practices now, and he likes what he’s seen. More specifically, he’s a fan of all the different spots he’s lining up in to potentially get the ball.

“It’s kind of what I came here to do, just being able to expand the offense,” Shipley said this week. “There’s not many players like me, so to be able to see that and to already have Coach Riley set me out and trying different things as we’re still trying to learn a new offense, it’s been pretty cool for me. I think I can add a whole new dimension for this offense, and I’m excited for it.”

Shipley, who’s been the Tigers’ primary kickoff returner since his freshman season in 2021, has also fielded some punts during spring practices, but offense is where Shipley believes he will build on his versatility the most. In addition to rushing for 1,182 yards and 15 touchdowns last season, Shipley had the fourth-most receptions on the team.

He caught 38 passes for 242 yards a season ago, but Shipley said one of the biggest changes he’s anticipating for himself in Riley’s offense is becoming even more of a pass-catching threat from different spots on the field.

“No doubt,” Shipley said. “We’ve already seen it so far in spring, and I’m excited to kind of see how it expands from here as we learn the offense and grow.”

Shipley was the only player in the Football Bowl Subdivision last season to finish with at least 1,150 yards rusher, at least 200 yards receiving and at least 300 kickoff return yards. He became the first player from a Power Five conference to pull off the feat since Saquon Barkley did it for Penn State in 2017. Shipley and his position coach, former Clemson running back C.J. Spiller, are the only ACC players to accomplish it since 2000.

If the spring is any indication, Shipley will have a chance to add to those numbers come the fall.

“When he steps on the field, that kid is all about winning,” Spiller said. “And he’s going to do whatever it takes to win.”

Dear Old Clemson has added the Tiger Sack Pack to our online store.  Save by getting the Two Pack of signed cards from two of the nation’s top defensive ends, Myles Murphy and Xavier Thomas.

Now there is a new way you can support Clemson student-athletes. Purchase collectibles from Dear Old Clemson and the proceeds with go to support Clemson student-athletes. 

Dear Old Clemson is doing NIL the ‘Clemson way’, but we need your help to make sure we build a sustainable, repeatable model that will help keep Clemson competitive with the other top programs around the nation.

Dabo Swinney: “We need your assistance more than ever to provide meaningful NIL opportunities. Tiger Impact, Dear Old Clemson and other collectives allow student-athletes to utilize their voice and platform to maximize their NIL opportunities and strengthen their impact in the community.”

Graham Neff:
“Tiger Impact, Dear Old Clemson and other collectives need your support to help provide meaningful NIL opportunities for our student athletes. We are doing things the right way, the Clemson way with integrity as a non-negotiable and we fully support the mission of these groups.”

Join the Tiger Club or Lady Tiger Club to help these great student-athletes and help the Tigers compete at the highest level!