Former Clemson running back Will Shipley is one of the top players at his position in the 2024 NFL Draft after a successful college career.
Shipley spent all three seasons of his college football career with the Tigers before declaring for the NFL Draft. He’s a versatile back who can be utilized out of the backfield, as a returner, or as a receiver.
As one of the top backs in this class, Shipley has the athletic profile and collegiate production that NFL general managers will be looking for.
Will Shipley’s Pro Day Measurements
Shipley opted out of the drills at the NFL Scouting Combine in March but later participated in Clemson’s Pro Day.
The Clemson back measured at 5’11” and 206 pounds, which puts him in the 57th percentile in direct comparison to his peers at the running back position, while his weight has him in the 28th percentile.
How Fast Is Shipley?
At Clemson’s Pro Day, Shipley ran a 4.39-second 40-yard dash, the same time as Trey Benson, who could be the first running back selected in the draft.
Will Shipley turned in the fastest 40-time at Clemson Pro Day on Thursday morning with a 4.39.
Watch him go!
@WSPA7 pic.twitter.com/GKJtRw31Mm— Todd Summers (@ToddSummers7) March 14, 2024
While Shipley’s NFL projection might not be the same stereotypical workhorse outlook that Benson has, he clearly has the same agility and needed foot speed to compete at the next level.
The Clemson back averaged 5.2 yards per carry during his time at Clemson and 7.1 yards per catch. He has the tools needed to be an explosive playmaker.
How Old Is Shipley?
Born Aug. 29, 2002, Shipley is 21 years old. He will turn 22 during the preseason of his rookie year.
A younger, versatile prospect at the running back position is typically what NFL general managers are looking for in that position, priming Shipley for a Day 2 selection.
Shipley’s Latest Scouting Report
During his time with the Tigers, Shipley showcased a complete body of work as a playmaker serving time as a running back, receiver, and returner. He was a first-team All-American in 2022.
In Shipley’s scouting report, Pro Football Network draft analyst Ian Cummings acknowledged that the Clemson back has the needed production, pedigree as a fringe five-star recruit, and production needed to succeed at the next level.
He’s described as a high-level athlete with excellent speed and burst in the open field.
“He’s one of the most versatile and most dynamic playmakers in the class, and he has an easy path to production and sustenance at the NFL level,” Cummings notes. “At 5’11”, 210 pounds, Shipley doesn’t quite have the mass and physicality that his counterparts at the top of the board have. But Shipley more than compensates with his explosiveness, speed, foot quickness, and unnatural hip flexibility and movement freedom in tight spaces.
“Even without overwhelming size and physicality, he can slither through crowds with his vision, keen spatial awareness, and controlled mobility. Shipley is truly a chisel inside the tackles, using his instincts and agility to carve out consistent gains. Meanwhile, he doubles as an elite receiving threat and a quality blocker as well.
“He’s a versatile pass catcher who can run routes from multiple alignments, catch the ball away from his frame, and accrue RAC yards. As a blocker, he’s combative, has a natural feel for leverage, and uses his short-area twitch to reposition himself.”
KEEP READING: Ian Cummings’ Full Scouting Report of Will Shipley
In the modern NFL, where decision-makers desire all-around utility out of the backfield, no prospect has more versatility than Shipley. He projects as an eventual three-down back with volume upside if he can stay healthy.
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