Clemson football opened spring practice on Friday with a few notable position changes. Redshirt sophomore receiver Misun “Tink” Kelley worked with the defensive backs, while redshirt sophomore tight end Markus Dixon transitioned to defensive end. However, the most intriguing shift came from senior wide receiver Adam Randall, who lined up in the backfield. After unveiling his ability as a ball carrier in Clemson’s 38-24 College Football Playoff loss to No. 3 Texas, Randall is now officially taking reps at running back—a move that has captured the attention of coaches, teammates, and fans.
Randall’s transition comes at a pivotal time for the Tigers, who are searching for answers at running back following the departure of star rusher Phil Mafah to the NFL. With Mafah hampered for part of last season due to a shoulder injury, Clemson’s running back depth became a concern. The team is now looking at a group that includes redshirt junior Keith Adams Jr., redshirt sophomore Jay Haynes, redshirt sophomore Jarvis Green, redshirt freshman David Eziomume, and freshman Gideon Davidson.
But at 6-foot-2, 230 pounds, Randall brings a unique combination of size and speed that could make him a real factor in the competition.
Randall first showed glimpses of his potential as a running back in December, when he unexpectedly took carries against the Longhorns. Despite limited practice time at the position, he led the team in rushing yards, finishing with 44 yards on four carries—including a 41-yard burst in the second quarter.
Following the game, head coach Dabo Swinney revealed that Randall had started practicing at running back after Clemson’s ACC Championship victory
