Back on December 29, 2023, junior running back Will Shipley and the Clemson Tigers faced off against Ray Davis and the Kentucky Wildcats in the Gator Bowl. The matchup saw two of the best running backs in the 2024 NFL Draft class face off for their final college game.
Davis was the only one to score a touchdown, and rushed 13 times for 63 yards while hauling in four receptions for six yards. Shipley rushed 11 times for 29 yards and caught two passes for nine more, but also added 94 kickoff return yards, giving him a total of 132 all-purpose yards. Most importantly, at least for Shipley, Clemson won 38-35.
While Shipley left the game with an injury, his all-around performance sealed in his mind what he most likely knew to be true: he was NFL bound.
Clemson Tigers Running Back Will Shipley Declared for the 2024 NFL Draft Days After the Gator Bowl
Five days after the Gator Bowl, Shipley made it known that his intention was to declare for the 2024 NFL Draft. In a message to Clemson fans, he wrote:
“Dear Clemson family, thank you for everything. The decision to attend Clemson University is the best one I’ve ever made. My Clemson experience has provided me with lifelong benefits and friendships, a confidence to excel in anything I pursue and an appreciation for a standard of excellence. … I have decided to enter my name into the 2024 NFL draft. I am grateful for the last three years and am excited to see what the future holds. Although I am taking the next step of my journey, I will always be a Clemson Tiger!”
At the time of his announcement, Shipley was considered the second-best running back in the 2024 NFL Draft class behind Ohio State’s TreVeyon Henderson.
Clemson Tigers Running Back Will Shipley Makes a Bold Declaration at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine
On Saturday, Shipley met with the media in Indianapolis, Indiana as part of the NFL Scouting Combine. During his session, he boldly proclaimed:
“I am the number one all-purpose back in this draft.”
He certainly does not lack confidence, which is good because second-guessing has no place in the NFL.
As for his proclamation, NFL Draft experts are not far from agreeing him. Ian Cummings of The Draft Network wrote of Shipley:
“In a modern NFL where phase versatility and all-around utility are craved from RBs, few RB prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft have more versatility than Shipley.”
Based on his rankings, Shipley could be drafted in either the second or third rounds.
Will Shipley’s Career Stats with the Clemson Tigers
Year | Carries | Yards | TD’s | Rec | Yards | TD’s | KR | Yards | TD’s |
2021 | 149 | 739 | 11 | 16 | 116 | 0 | 14 | 380 | 0 |
2022 | 210 | 1,182 | 15 | 38 | 242 | 0 | 13 | 324 | 0 |
2023 | 167 | 827 | 5 | 31 | 244 | 2 | 7 | 200 | 0 |
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