Swinney: ‘You Can Expect a Big Season from No. 7’

Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney was a guest Monday on ACC Network’s ACC PM show.

Among the topics Swinney discussed is rising senior Phil Mafah as he enters the 2024 season as the Tigers’ clear top dog in the running back room, with Will Shipley having moved on from the program.

Swinney was asked what he is asking of Mafah moving forward, and what he anticipates Mafah being able to do this upcoming season while taking on the true bell cow role in Clemson’s backfield.

“Assume the role of being that guy. He’s going to play more snaps than he’s ever played, so he’s gotta be in the best condition that he’s ever been in,” Swinney said. “We’ve kind of had that one-two punch with he and Shipley … it was him and Shipley, it was who was going to run out there first. Now, it’s Mafah is established as the guy. We’ve kind of got some competition for that second and third spot.

“But he’s gotta set the tone and he’s gotta become the leader. He’s got to find his voice a little bit and really assert that this summer. We need that from him. And then just being in elite condition, the best shape he’s ever been in. Because like I said, he’s going to play more snaps than he’s had to play in the past. But he’s built for it. He’s excited about it.”

Mafah is coming off a 2023 campaign during which he recorded career highs in rushing attempts (179), rushing yards (965), rushing touchdowns (13), receptions (21) and receiving yards (108) over 13 games (five starts).

A former four-star Peach State prospect, Mafah enters the 2024 season with 345 career carries for 1,772 yards and 20 touchdowns, as well as 37 career receptions for 206 yards, across 36 games (seven starts) from 2021-23.

The 6-foot-1, 230-pounder shined with a stellar performance in Clemson’s come-from-behind Gator Bowl victory over Kentucky this past December, recording a Clemson bowl record four rushing touchdowns, including three fourth-quarter scores.

Mafah carried the momentum from his strong finish to last season into this spring.

“He had a really good spring. He’s in a really good place, especially how he finished the season,” Swinney said. “So, I’m excited about him having the opportunity to be an every-down player for us, and I think you can expect a big season from No. 7.”

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