EZIOMUME IS BACK: Clemson’s Forgotten RB Just Made a STATEMENT
Don’t call it a comeback — he never left. Clemson running back Jaylen Eziomume, once a name slipping off the radar, is now back in a big way. After a quiet freshman season that left fans wondering about his role in the Tigers’ offense, Eziomume just reminded everyone why he was so highly touted coming out of high school.
During Clemson’s spring game this past weekend, Eziomume stole the show. He racked up 112 yards on just nine carries, including a 42-yard touchdown burst that brought the crowd at Death Valley to its feet. His combination of vision, balance, and breakaway speed was on full display — and it sent a clear message: Jaylen Eziomume is ready to be a factor in the Tigers’ backfield.
“Jaylen’s had a great spring,” head coach Dabo Swinney said postgame. “He’s healthy, he’s confident, and he’s running like a guy who wants to make a real impact. That’s the Jaylen we recruited.”
Eziomume came to Clemson with plenty of hype as a four-star prospect out of North Cobb (Ga.), known for his explosive playmaking and versatility. But with Will Shipley and Phil Mafah leading the charge last season, touches were limited. A few minor injuries and depth chart battles kept him in the shadows — until now.
This spring, though, Eziomume has been one of the standout performers. Coaches have praised not just his running ability but his improvement in pass protection and route-running. In a post-game interview, Eziomume said he spent the offseason focusing on “getting stronger, getting smarter, and staying patient.”
That patience may finally be paying off. With Shipley off to the NFL and Mafah now the clear No. 1, Eziomume is pushing hard for that RB2 spot — and maybe more. His performance has sparked buzz across Clemson circles, with fans calling him the “X-factor” of the Tigers’ 2025 offense.
“He’s got that extra gear,” said quarterback Cade Klubnik. “You see it in practice, and now he’s showing it in front of everyone.”
For a player many had written off or forgotten, Jaylen Eziomume just made the loudest statement of spring. And if this performance is any indication, the sophomore back might be one of the breakout stars of the season.
