Will Shipley, RB, Clemson
Size:
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 206 pounds
Arm Length: 30 1/4"
Hand Size: 9 5/8"
Accomplishments:
First Team All-ACC (2022) • Team Captain (2023)
“Will Shipley should make an immediate impact as a receiving option who plays running back but can also play in the slot in the NFL.”
Strengths:
Natural receiving skill set
Position-versatile player
Good vision as a runner
Concerns:
Contact balance
Run with power
Film Analysis:
Will Shipley, a former 5-star recruit, has been a productive element of the Clemson offense since his freshman year. Shipley enters the NFL as an all-purpose back who finished his career at Clemson with 2,700 rushing yards and 600 yards receiving. Shipley has high-level traits as a running back but appears to have his most unique impact in the NFL as a back who can catch passes out of the backfield and also align in the slot.
Shipley's positive impact in the passing game is due to fluid movements, IQ, and being a natural hands-catcher. Out of the backfield, Shipley can run the running back route tree effectively, whether that's traditional swing routes, angle routes of the backfield, or wheel routes where he has to get vertical up the field. Shipley appears to be a mismatch problem for defenses as he can easily beat second-level defenders and some safeties to uncover and be a reliable option as a receiver. Shipley can also align in the slot and run effective routes. Shipley is a natural hands-catcher who can make catches in traffic and turn up the field. The other element of Shipley's game that is impressive is his elusiveness in the open field, oftentimes being able to make the first defender miss.
Playing the running back position and receiving handoffs on running plays, Shipley shows to have good vision. He can identify holes in the defense and has the acceleration to get through them. Shipley has good elusiveness and can make defenders miss in the hole and get vertical up the field to pick up yardage. Shipley has the speed and athleticism to create for himself and rip off big gains running the football.
Shipley's needed improvement as a player starts with his contact balance and his ability to consistently run through contact—and to run with power. There are reps where Shipley gets tripped up and prevents a play from turning into a big gain. Shipley also relies on making defenders miss more than he relies on running through them which could be ineffective on short-yardage runs in between the tackles where quick, tough yardage is needed.
Overall, in today's NFL as a running back, Shipley has a skill set that is very desired and should make an immediate impact for NFL offenses both catching and running the football.
Prospect Projection: Day 3 — Developmental Traits
Written By: Keith Sanchez
Exposures: Florida State (2023), Miami (2023), North Carolina (2023), NC State (2023)
