Will

Shipley

It was reported Tuesday that Shipley was working with the first-team offense in the red zone. Eagles beat writers have said the rookie has shown explosiveness and pass-catching chops during training camp, and worked as the team’s lead back when Barkley was held out of practice on Monday. Shipley, who had 1,182 rushing yards and 15 scores at Clemson in 2022, could start the season as Philly’s No. 2 backfield option, and might see lead back duties should Barkley, 27, miss time in 2024.

Moore also listed presumed backup Kenneth Gainwell and rookie Will Shipley as players that could be deployed in various areas of the formation, adding “that will be a huge advantage for us.” Moore described the offense as requiring an outlet for the quarterback underneath, an area of the field that all three backs can help “create horizontal space, and every once in a while, get them vertical.” Moore’s previous offenses have harbored running back production through the air, something that could help offset the potential for decreased total touchdowns from the position considering the presence of quarterback Jalen Hurts and the famed “tush push” when close to the goal line. The fact that Moore also mentioned Gainwell and Shipley when discussing the utilization of running backs in the pass game places a theoretical cap on the weekly upside of his starter, returning a weekly range of outcomes that should be more condensed about Barkley’s median expectation.

Saquon Barkley managers need not panic. The Eagles didn’t sign Barkley to a three-year, $37.750 million contract to play him behind Gainwell. Instead, these early reps should serve as a reminder that, for now, Gainwell is the preferred option as Barkley’s backup, giving him some value as a late-round handcuff in fantasy. We’re barely through the first week of camp, and a lot can change over the next several weeks. Gainwell is the longest-tenured Eagles back and will presumably work ahead of rookie Will Shipley until Shipley gets acclimated to the offense.

A four-star recruit and one of the country’s most sought-after running backs, Shipley (5’11/206) committed to Clemson over Alabama, Penn State, and many other Power Five schools. After a productive freshman season that saw him score 11 touchdowns, Shipley erupted for 1,182 yards and 15 scores on 210 carries in 2022. He also added 38 grabs for 242 yards through the air. Shipley’s numbers took a hit in his final season. His efficiency stats fell across the board and he took a backseat to Phil Mafah in the backfield, resulting in a 167/827/5 rushing line. Shipley hits the hole hard and navigates space well but doesn’t have home run speed or elite tackle-breaking numbers. The fact that he was relegated to backup duties in college suggests he will play the same role in the NFL.

Shipley (5'11/205) also chipped in with three catches for 17 yards, as Clemson heavily relied upon their five-star all-purpose tailback due to the struggles of QB D.J. Uiagalelei, who was replaced by consensus top 2022 quarterback recruit Cade Klubnik. His biggest play was a pivotal 50-yard rushing score that he took off right tackle and outlasted the trailing defenders for a third quarter touchdown that put Clemson up for the first time all game at 22-21. It was Shipley’s highest career single-game rushing total, with the promising sophomore currently viewed as a top-5 2024 Devy running back option despite his lack of prototypical NFL size at 5'11/205.

The Tigers offense has struggled all year but Shipley (5'11/200) has been a constant bright spot. This game was the epitome of that. Consistently, Shipley was running behind an offensive line that failed to open up holes. He was able to get some yards with creativity, including his touchdown run. He took a dive play up the middle, saw that there was no hole and bounced it to the right and sprinted to the pile on for an easy score. One of the best freshman running backs in the country this season, he finished with 739 yards and 11 touchdowns on the season.

Shipley had bookend rushing touchdowns, powering in from 1 yard out to put the Tigers up 10-0 and adding another from 3 yards away to post the final points of the game. In between he added an unexpected passing touchdown, firing off a jump pass to TE Davis Allen after taking a direct snap. The all-around effort from Shipley was a big reason why the Tigers put forth their best performance of the season, taking a lead within the game’s first 3 minutes and never trailing from there. Shipley’s closing stat line included 19 carries for 112 yards, with a long of 42. He also had one catch for 18 yards and this marked just the second time this season that he cracked the 100-yard plateau on the ground. The Tigers (8-3) close out the regular season next week against in-state rival South Carolina.

Shipley (5'11/200) was electric against the Noles, setting career highs in carries and yardage in addition to catching four passes for 24 yards which also represented personal bests. The freshman phenom had missed a few games due to injury and was worked back in last week against Pitt, but he really took flight by ripping off touchdown runs of two and 21 yards, with the last one giving Clemson a lead late in the fourth quarter that they would not relinquish. It was a gutsy, workhorse performance from the five-star prospect who should continue to thrive for many games to come. The Tigers welcome Louisville to town next Saturday.

Shipley (5'11/200) has been sidelined since the Tigers’ September 25 loss at NC State, and the expectation was that he would miss 3-4 week. The talented freshman has at least made the trip north, and he’s considered to be a game-time decision. Shipley’s return would give Clemson some much-needed depth in the backfield, as they’ve relied primarily on Kobe Pace.

Shipley (5'11/200) has been out since injuring his leg on September 25 against NC State, ditching his crutches and doing some side work at practice. When asked about his status on Wednesday, HC Dabo Swinney said “He looks better than I anticipated at this point.” It could be coach-speak, but either way the Tigers’ chances of victory are greatly enhanced by the presence of their blue-chip, five-star running back. The Tigers are slated to take on Pitt this Saturday in a pivotal ACC showdown.