Will Shipley is forever grateful for his time as a Clemson Tiger.

Ahead of the NFL Draft later this month, Shipley joined Eric Mac Lain on Gramlich & Mac Lain’s ACC Prospect Series.

The dynamic, versatile all-conference running back reflected on his experience at Clemson over the past three years and what being a Clemson Man means to him.

“It was an incredible experience, something that I’ll thank — that I made the decision to go to Clemson — for the rest of my life, and how it set me up,” Shipley said. “I was so glad to be able to graduate, and if I wasn’t going to graduate in December, moving on wouldn’t have even been an option for me because I want to forever be associated and to be a Clemson Tiger for the rest of my life. That’s just how I feel about it – not even talking about the football portion and the relationships on that side and the friends that I’ve created forever. But just my experience as a student-athlete and as a student was something that I’ll remember for the rest of my life.”

Following his stellar Clemson career from 2021-23, Shipley leaves Tiger Town in the top 10 in school history in total touchdowns (33), rushing touchdowns (31), 100-yard rushing games (10), all-purpose yards (4,253) and kickoff return yards (904). The 5-foot-11, 206-pounder also finished ranked 11th in rushing yards (2,747).

“And then the football portion, I came in early my freshman year, and just got after it,” Shipley continued. “I had a goal in mind that I knew it was going to be hard to attain, but every single day, I tried to get 1% better. I was able to play early my freshman year, and it just continued to snowball and had more of a role going into my sophomore year, and then my junior year ended on a great note at the Gator Bowl, ending with a win, and a great season ultimately creating friends and being able to help the guys in any way I can for my last year.”

In early January, Shipley opted to forego his senior season at Clemson and enter the 2024 NFL Draft — a decision that was extremely difficult for him.

A former five-star prospect from North Carolina, Shipley committed to the Tigers back on May 5, 2020, and he’s certainly glad he made that choice to call Clemson his college home.

“I’ve got nothing but love for Clemson,” he said, “and like I said, it was one of the toughest decisions I’ve ever had to make to move on from such a great opportunity and go back and play my fourth year. But it was an incredible experience for sure.”

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