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Adam Randall rebounds from injury scare with huge runs in Clemson scrimmage, Dabo Swinney says
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- Adam Randall rebounds from injury scare with huge runs in Clemson scrimmage, Dabo Swinney says
CLEMSON — One of Clemson football 's biggest questions ahead of the 2025 season is how will the Tigers replace running back Phil Mafah.
Mafah was Clemson 's workhorse last season after rushing for more than 1,115 yards. He had 216 carries; Clemson's next closest running back, Jay Haynes , had 43.
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With Haynes still recovering from a torn ACL, Jarvis Green out indefinitely with a foot injury and walk-on Peyton Streko injured, Clemson has four capable running backs available: former wide receiver Adam Randall , Keith Adams Jr., David Eziomume and 2025 signee Gideon Davidson .
Randall is Clemson's projected starter and participated in the team's final scrimmage on Aug. 14 that was closed to the media after being limited this week with an injury. Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said he was "awesome."
"Had huge runs, had a couple big plays early," Swinney said. "I think about the third play of the game was, maybe, a 50-60 yard run."
Randall avoiding significant injury will be huge for Clemson's offense after losing Green for most of 2025. Randall is the most experienced player in Clemson's running-back room but hasn't played the position much since high school.
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He debuted at running back in college in last year's College Football Playoff game against Texas and exited the spring as the No. 1 running back. Swinney believes Randall will be "one of the best stories in college football" this season despite his inexperience.
"If he's available, he's going to be a very productive player for us," Swinney said.
Swinney is also confident in the depth behind Randall with Adams, Eziomume and Davidson. Swinney said all bring something different at running back and were productive throughout preseason despite the trio combining for 264 yards rushing in 26 games and over 174 snaps.
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Adams, nicknamed "Hammerhead," carries a tough running style that could be vital in short-yardage situations. Eziomume is strong and has capable vision, reminding Swinney of a younger Mafah. Then, there's Davidson, who has smooth cuts and possesses quick acceleration. Swinney envisions all contributing this season with Randall leading the way.
"Nobody thinks we got good players there, but I like our running backs," Swinney said. "We got a good group, and I think they can all help us."
Dabo Swinney gives Walker Parks injury update
Swinney said starting right guard Walker Parks is OK and should be ready for Week 1 after suffering an injury in Clemson's first scrimmage. Swinney added Parks got injured while cross-training at center.
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"He didn't go today, we held him today, but he'll be all right," Swinney said.
Swinney expects him to be ready for No. 6 Clemson 's primetime game against No. 9 LSU on Aug. 30 (7:30 p.m. ET, ABC) at Memorial Stadium. Parks has been a stalwart on the Tigers' offensive line, starting in every game in 2021, 2022 and 2024. He was one of four end-of-year starting offensive linemen to return to Clemson this season.
Derrian Carter covers Clemson athletics for The Greenville News and the USA TODAY Network. Email him at dcarter@gannett.com and follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DerrianCarter00
This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Clemson football: Dabo Swinney says Adam Randall has huge scrimmage
