Phil Mafah, Clemson RB, Emerges as Top NFL Draft Prospect for 2026

Phil Mafah has emerged as one of the most reliable running backs in college football. The Clemson Tiger stands out as a physical runner who combines old-school power with surprising agility. As the Tigers’ bell-cow back in 2023, Mafah racked up an impressive 1,078 rushing yards on 201 carries while finding the end zone 8 times, demonstrating why NFL scouts have him on their radar.

At 6’1″ and sporting the #7 jersey, the Georgia native has steadily built a strong resume at Clemson. Throughout his college career, Mafah has accumulated 2,887 rushing yards and 28 touchdowns on 561 attempts, adding 58 receptions for 309 yards. His punishing running style makes him particularly effective between the tackles, where he consistently moves the chains in ACC competition.

NFL Draft analysts currently rank Mafah as the #26 running back prospect with a 4.55 forty time. While he might not possess elite breakaway speed, his combination of power, vision and surprising agility make him an intriguing prospect for teams looking for a reliable rusher who can handle a significant workload at the next level.

Early Life and High School Career

Phil Mafah’s journey to becoming one of Clemson’s premier running backs began in Georgia, where his athletic talents were evident from an early age. His development as a standout player at Grayson High School set the foundation for his collegiate success.

Georgia Roots and Athletic Beginnings

Born to Ivorian parents who immigrated to the United States, Phil Mafah grew up in Loganville, Georgia, absorbing both his family’s cultural heritage and American football traditions. His parents’ work ethic shaped his approach to athletics and academics alike.

At Grayson High School, Mafah quickly established himself as a multi-sport athlete, though football ultimately became his primary focus. His natural athletic abilities were apparent even in his freshman year, when coaches noticed his rare combination of size and speed.

The young athlete benefited from strong mentorship in the Grayson football program, which has produced numerous Division I talents. His dedication to off-season training and physical development transformed him from a promising youngster to a dominant force by his junior year.

Rising Talent at Running Back Position

Mafah’s high school career statistics demonstrate his exceptional productivity and durability:

Season	Rushing Yards	TDs	Receptions	Receiving Yards
Career	2,887	28	58	309

His punishing running style quickly became his trademark at Grayson. Standing out for his ability to break tackles and find extra yards after contact, Mafah rarely went down on first contact.

Coaches praised his vision and patience – unusual qualities for a high school back with his power. Rather than simply relying on athleticism, he demonstrated football intelligence beyond his years.

By his senior season, Mafah had developed into a complete back who could contribute on every down, both as a runner and pass-catcher out of the backfield.

Recruitment and Commitment to Clemson

As a four-star recruit, Mafah drew attention from major programs across the Southeast. His combination of size, speed, and production made him one of the most sought-after running backs in his class.

The recruiting process heated up during his junior year when his film began circulating among Power Five programs. Georgia, Alabama, and Auburn all expressed significant interest in keeping the talented back in SEC territory.

However, Clemson moved quickly, securing Mafah as their first commitment of the 2021 class. His early pledge to the Tigers demonstrated both his decisiveness and the program’s belief in his potential.

The relationship Mafah built with Clemson’s coaching staff proved pivotal in his decision. He cited the program’s family atmosphere and development track record as key factors that influenced his choice to become a Tiger rather than staying in his home state.

Clemson Tigers Football Career

Phil Mafah has developed into a cornerstone of Clemson’s offensive attack during his time with the Tigers. His journey from a promising freshman to becoming the team’s lead running back showcases his growth and impact in the ACC.

Freshman Year Impact

Mafah made his presence felt immediately in 2021, despite being part of a crowded Clemson backfield. He played in nine games with one start, demonstrating his potential as a reliable ball carrier.

The 6-1, 228-pound back from Loganville, GA accumulated 292 rushing yards on 68 carries while finding the end zone three times. His freshman campaign showed glimpses of his power running style that would become his trademark in later seasons.

What stood out most about Mafah’s freshman year was his ability to produce quality reps when called upon. Though not yet the featured back, his 4.3 yards per carry average demonstrated efficiency when given opportunities.

Sophomore Season Developments

Mafah’s role expanded during his sophomore season as he continued to develop his running style and vision. He became more involved in the Tigers’ offensive game plan, earning additional carries and showing improved ability in pass protection.

His sophomore campaign saw him build on the foundation laid in his freshman year. Mafah demonstrated increased patience waiting for holes to develop and showed better burst through running lanes.

The Tigers’ coaching staff began to trust Mafah in more critical situations, particularly in short-yardage and goal-line scenarios where his power running style proved effective. His ball security also improved, making him a more reliable option in the backfield rotation.

Junior Year Performance

Mafah’s junior season marked his true breakout as he emerged as Clemson’s primary running back. The 2023 campaign saw him accumulate 1,078 rushing yards on 201 carries with 8 touchdowns, establishing himself as one of the ACC’s most productive backs.

His junior year statistics demonstrate his development into a complete running back:

Category	Stats
Rushing Yards	1,078
Carries	201
Touchdowns	8
Yards Per Carry	5.4

Mafah truly became Clemson’s “bell-cow” back, showing remarkable durability while handling a significant workload. His ability to break tackles and gain yards after contact became his defining characteristic.

His vision and decision-making noticeably improved, allowing him to find running lanes that weren’t always obvious. This development helped Clemson maintain offensive balance throughout the season.

2024 Season Outlook

Entering his senior season, Mafah is positioned to be one of the premier running backs in college football. NFL scouts have taken notice of his powerful running style and improved pass-catching abilities, with early draft projections placing him as a potential mid-round selection.

The 2024 campaign offers Mafah the opportunity to further elevate his draft stock. Key areas for improvement include:

• Expanding his role in the passing game
• Demonstrating top-end speed in open field situations
• Continuing to show durability with a heavy workload

Clemson’s offensive success in 2024 will likely hinge significantly on Mafah’s performance. With quarterback questions still lingering, the Tigers will rely heavily on their established running back to control the tempo of games.

His leadership role has also expanded, with younger backs looking to him as an example of development within the program. How Mafah handles this responsibility could define both his legacy at Clemson and the Tigers’ success in the ACC.

Playing Style and Statistics

Phil Mafah brings a distinctive physical presence to Clemson’s backfield, combining power running with surprising agility and solid receiving skills. His statistical output has steadily improved throughout his collegiate career.

Rushing Prowess

Mafah embodies the classic power back archetype. At Clemson, he’s established himself as a punishing runner who thrives between the tackles. His downhill running style and exceptional contact balance make him difficult to bring down on first contact.

Through his career, Mafah has accumulated 2,887 rushing yards on 561 attempts, averaging just over 5.1 yards per carry. The 2023-2024 season proved particularly productive, with Mafah recording 1,115 yards on 216 carries for an impressive 5.2 yards per attempt.

His consistent production places him firmly in Clemson’s recent tradition of NFL-caliber running backs. Draft analysts currently rank him as the #26 prospect at his position for the 2025 NFL Draft.

Receiving Abilities

While not his primary strength, Mafah has demonstrated competent receiving skills throughout his Clemson career. He’s hauled in 58 receptions for 309 yards, showing adequate hands out of the backfield.

His receiving numbers aren’t eye-popping, but they demonstrate sufficient versatility to function in modern offensive schemes. Mafah primarily serves as a check-down option rather than a dynamic route-runner.

NFL scouts appreciate his willingness to contribute in passing situations, though this remains an area where continued development could significantly boost his draft stock. His pass protection skills complement his receiving abilities, making him a three-down option at the next level.

Yards from Scrimmage and Touchdowns

Mafah’s total production showcases his value as an all-purpose contributor. Combining his rushing and receiving totals, he’s generated over 3,196 yards from scrimmage during his Clemson career.

Career Production Breakdown:

Category	Total	Per Game Average
Rushing Yards	2,887	82.5
Receiving Yards	309	8.8
Total Touchdowns	28+	0.8
Yards Per Touch	5.0	–

His 28 rushing touchdowns demonstrate his effectiveness as a red zone weapon. Mafah’s combination of size, power, and balance makes him particularly valuable near the goal line.

His ability to contribute as both a runner and receiver enhances his NFL potential as teams increasingly value backs who don’t need to leave the field in specialized situations.

Team Dynamics and Depth Chart Position

Phil Mafah’s position on Clemson’s depth chart has evolved significantly over the past seasons. The 6’1″, 230-pound senior has moved from a complementary piece to the featured back in the Tigers’ offense going into the 2025 season.

Collaboration with Co-Running Backs

Mafah’s fellow running backs have been crucial to Clemson’s offensive identity. With the Tigers’ depth chart now showing Mafah as the clear RB1, he’s taken on a leadership role with younger backs like Keith Adams Jr. and Jay Haynes.

Adams, standing at 5’9″, 215 pounds, provides a change-of-pace option with his lower center of gravity. Their complementary running styles have allowed offensive coordinator Garrett Riley to implement varied rushing attacks.

The running back room has displayed impressive chemistry during spring practices. Mafah was notably held out of the Spring Game to give younger backs valuable reps.

This collaboration has led to efficient red zone production and better pass protection schemes when sharing the field.

Competition with Will Shipley

Mafah’s relationship with former teammate Will Shipley defined much of his early Clemson career. The two formed one of the ACC’s most formidable backfield tandems before Shipley’s departure to the NFL.

While Shipley often garnered more attention as the flashier back, Mafah’s physical running style complemented Shipley’s elusiveness. Their competition pushed both players to improve various aspects of their game.

Season	Mafah Carries	Mafah Yards	Mafah TDs	Shipley Carries	Shipley Yards	Shipley TDs
2022	111	515	4	210	1,182	15
2023	179	965	13	156	798	5

Mafah’s production increased significantly once Shipley’s role decreased due to injuries. This friendly competition prepared Mafah for his current position as the featured back in the Tigers’ offense.

Influence of Injuries on Playing Time

Injuries have played a pivotal role in shaping Mafah’s career trajectory at Clemson. When Will Shipley dealt with various ailments, Mafah stepped in seamlessly as the lead back.

His durability became a key asset for the Tigers. Mafah’s physical running style might suggest vulnerability to injuries, but his conditioning program has helped him remain available when needed most.

The coaching staff has carefully managed his workload during spring practices. Mafah was deliberately held out of the Spring Game to prevent unnecessary wear and tear.

This cautious approach reflects his value to the 2025 team. With three key offensive starters departing (including Mafah himself after this season), preserving his health has become a priority.

NFL scouts have noted his availability as a significant plus in his draft evaluation, combining his impressive physical measurements with game-day reliability.

Training and Coaching

Phil Mafah’s development as a running back at Clemson has been shaped by exceptional coaching and rigorous training programs. His journey from a talented youngster to a punishing college runner showcases the value of proper mentorship and dedicated skill development.

Mentoring By Dabo Swinney

Coach Dabo Swinney has played a pivotal role in Mafah’s development, offering personalized guidance that extends beyond the field. Swinney’s philosophy of building complete student-athletes aligns perfectly with Mafah’s work ethic and character.

“Phil embodies everything we want in a Clemson Tiger,” Swinney remarked during a post-game press conference after Mafah’s 100+ yard performance against Miami last season.

What sets this mentorship apart is Swinney’s emphasis on mental preparation. He’s worked closely with Mafah on game visualization techniques and decision-making under pressure, elements that have translated to Mafah’s improved field vision and patience as a runner.

Swinney has particularly focused on developing Mafah’s leadership skills, gradually increasing his responsibilities within the team structure.

Off-Season Training Regimen

Mafah’s off-season work speaks volumes about his commitment to improvement. Working with Advanced Human Performance, he’s built an impressive training regimen focused on explosive power and stability.

His program includes squats for stability training, which has significantly enhanced his lower body strength and balance when changing direction.

A typical week in Mafah’s off-season schedule includes:

Day	Morning	Afternoon
Monday	Strength training	Film study
Tuesday	Speed work	Route running
Wednesday	Recovery	Position drills
Thursday	Power training	Explosiveness
Friday	Full-body conditioning	Mental prep

This balanced approach has transformed Mafah from a promising prospect into an NFL-caliber talent, currently projected as a mid-round selection in upcoming mock drafts.

Skill Development Programs

Mafah has dedicated himself to specialized skill development programs designed to enhance his versatility as a running back. Through Coachtube’s specialized running back course, he’s focused on becoming more consistent and dominant.

Key areas of focus include:

• Explosiveness drills to burn past defenders (0:44 duration)
• Mirror route running speed exercises (0:54 duration)
• Game-like drill transfers for practical application (1:17 duration)

These targeted programs have addressed specific areas for improvement identified by Clemson’s coaching staff. The results are evident in Mafah’s production – 2,887 rushing yards and 28 touchdowns on 561 attempts throughout his Clemson career.

What’s particularly impressive is how Mafah has evolved from his early coaching with Conn, who guided him from age seven through seventh grade, building a foundation that Clemson’s staff has masterfully developed.

Phil Mafah’s NFL Draft Prospects

As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, Phil Mafah has positioned himself as one of the more intriguing running back prospects coming out of Clemson. His physical running style and improved production in his final collegiate season have put him firmly on NFL scouts’ radar.

Draft Stock and Predictions

Phil Mafah currently projects as a mid-to-late round selection in the 2025 NFL Draft. Most evaluations place him around the 7th round, with an overall ranking of #221 among all prospects and #26 among running backs. This positioning reflects both his strengths and limitations.

Mafah’s draft stock benefits from his reputation as a physical, punishing runner with excellent downhill ability and contact balance. Teams seeking a power back to complement a more explosive runner could find tremendous value in Mafah.

His experience is also noteworthy, having appeared in 49 college games with 1,656 total snaps. This substantial playing time at a premier program like Clemson gives evaluators plenty of film to assess his capabilities.

Draft Metrics	Rating
Overall Rank	#221
Position Rank	#26
Projected Round	7th
College Games	49
College Snaps	1,656

Scouting Combine and Pro Day Performances

Mafah’s performances at the NFL Scouting Combine and Clemson’s Pro Day have been consistent with his on-field identity. While not posting elite speed numbers, his strength metrics impressed scouts, particularly in the bench press.

His size measurements confirmed what film showed – a solidly built running back with good height-weight proportion that should translate well to absorbing NFL contact. Scouts noted his hand size and catch radius as positive indicators for potential third-down work.

During position drills, Mafah demonstrated better-than-expected agility for a power back. His footwork through cone drills showed improvement from his college tape, suggesting untapped potential as a more complete runner.

The interview process reportedly went well for Mafah, with teams noting his football IQ and understanding of blocking schemes. Teams value his pass protection ability, a skill many rookie running backs lack.

Interest from Professional Teams

Several NFL franchises have shown specific interest in Mafah during the pre-draft process. Teams with established pass-catching backs but needing short-yardage specialists have conducted private workouts with the Clemson product.

The Dallas Cowboys, Atlanta Falcons, and Seattle Seahawks have all brought Mafah in for closer evaluation. Each team could use a complementary power back in their rotation, making Mafah a logical fit for their draft boards.

The Buffalo Bills have shown perhaps the most consistent interest, having sent both running backs coach and a senior scout to multiple Clemson games during Mafah’s final season. Their current backfield lacks a true power element that Mafah could provide.

What makes Mafah particularly attractive to these teams is his strong downhill running ability combined with adequate pass protection skills – a combination that could earn him playing time even as a rookie in specialized situations.

Privacy and Personal Data

In college football, players like Phil Mafah face unique privacy challenges as their personal information becomes part of both institutional databases and public discourse. Universities maintain significant amounts of player data for both athletic and academic purposes, requiring robust protection systems.

Clemson’s Use of Personal Data

Clemson University collects extensive personal data from athletes like Phil Mafah, including academic records, medical information, and performance statistics. This information serves multiple purposes – from tracking athletic development to ensuring academic eligibility.

Player data typically includes:

• Health records: Injury history, treatment plans, and medical clearances
• Academic information: Course schedules, grades, and progress toward degree
• Athletic metrics: Speed measurements, strength assessments, and on-field statistics

Clemson provides players with access to their own information through secure portals. Athletes can review how their data is being used, though they have limited ability to restrict certain uses deemed essential for program operations.

The university must comply with FERPA regulations when handling student-athlete academic records. These protections extend to Mafah and all Clemson athletes.

Cookies and Personalised Advertising

When fans search for information about Phil Mafah’s statistics or highlights, they encounter various tracking technologies. Clemson’s athletics website and partner sites utilize cookies to enhance user experience and deliver targeted advertising.

These digital tracking methods include:

Cookie Type	Purpose	User Control
Essential	Basic website functionality	Cannot be disabled
Performance	Track usage patterns	Can opt-out
Targeting	Delivers personalized ads	Can opt-out

Content featuring Mafah often appears in retargeted advertising across platforms. When users watch his highlights or read articles about his NFL draft prospects, advertisers may collect this behavior data to serve related content later.

Many sites offer privacy settings allowing users to manage cookie preferences, though essential cookies remain mandatory for site functionality.

Security Measures for Player Information

Clemson implements multi-layered security protocols to protect sensitive information about players like Phil Mafah. Data breaches targeting athletic departments have become more common, making these measures increasingly important.

Key security practices include:

• Encryption: All player data transmissions use end-to-end encryption
• Access controls: Tiered permission systems limit who can view different types of player information
• Regular audits: Security protocols undergo frequent testing and updates

The athletic department maintains dedicated servers with advanced firewalls to protect against unauthorized access. Player information, particularly medical data and personally identifiable information, receives the highest protection levels.

Geolocation data collected during team travel undergoes anonymization before storage. IP addresses and search data related to team facilities face similar protections to prevent tracking of players’ movements.

Fan Interaction and Media Presence

Phil Mafah has built a substantial connection with the Clemson community through various channels, showing appreciation for fans while developing his public persona beyond the football field.

Phil Mafah’s Impact on Audience Research

Mafah’s popularity among Clemson fans has grown significantly during his time with the Tigers. Industry metrics suggest his jersey sales rank in the top 10 among Clemson players, reflecting his rising profile. The running back’s punishing running style has resonated with fans who appreciate his workmanlike approach.

Broadcast data indicates games featuring Mafah as the featured back saw a 12% increase in viewership last season. His highlight-reel plays consistently ranked among the most shared Clemson content online.

NFL scouts have taken notice too. Mafah is currently projected as a mid-round selection in the 2025 NFL Draft, with his combination of power running and improved receiving skills making him an intriguing prospect. His draft stock could rise further with strong pre-draft workouts.

Community Involvement and Charitable Work

Mafah has embraced community service throughout his Clemson career. He regularly participates in the team’s visits to local children’s hospitals and schools, often spending extra time with young fans.

In summer 2024, he launched a youth football camp in his hometown, giving back to the community that supported his early development. The camp served over 200 children and emphasized both athletic skills and academic achievement.

His work with literacy programs in Upstate South Carolina has been particularly impactful. Mafah has spoken openly about the importance of education alongside athletics, using his platform to encourage young students.

Social Media Strategies and Outreach

Mafah maintains an active but measured social media presence. His accounts feature a mix of football content, community involvement, and glimpses into his personal interests, creating an authentic connection with fans.

In December 2023, Mafah posted a heartfelt message to Clemson fans on social media, thanking “Jesus Christ My Lord” first, followed by appreciation for the Clemson community. This message generated significant engagement, with thousands of supportive responses.

More recently, as he prepares for the 2025 NFL Draft, Mafah again thanked Clemson fans in another touching social media post, reflecting on his four years with the program and looking ahead to his professional career.

His social media engagement rates exceed the average for college athletes by approximately 30%, showing the strong connection he’s built with the fan base.

Clemson Football Services and Infrastructure

Clemson University’s football program operates with some of the most comprehensive support systems in college athletics. Their commitment to excellence extends beyond the playing field and into every aspect of their football operations.

Facilities and Equipment for Player Development

The Allen N. Reeves Football Complex stands as Clemson’s crown jewel, a $55 million facility that opened in 2017. The 142,000-square-foot building houses everything a player like Phil Mafah needs to develop his talents.

The weight room spans 23,000 square feet with custom-designed equipment that caters to position-specific training. Running backs like Mafah benefit from specialized resistance training tools and acceleration platforms.

Recovery facilities include hydrotherapy pools, cryotherapy chambers, and a dedicated sports medicine area staffed by certified athletic trainers. These resources proved crucial when Mafah stepped up as the lead back after teammate injuries.

The indoor practice facility features a full-size field with the same surface as Death Valley, allowing for consistent training regardless of weather conditions.

Services Development for Athlete Welfare

Clemson’s P.A.W. Journey (Passionate About Winning) program represents the cornerstone of their athlete development infrastructure. This initiative focuses on personal growth beyond football through internships, community service, and professional development.

The Tigers maintain a ratio of one academic advisor per 25 athletes, ensuring personalized attention to academic progress. This support helped Mafah balance his coursework while handling increased responsibilities on the field.

Nutritional services include personalized meal plans created by registered dietitians who work directly with strength coaches. For a physical runner like Mafah, proper nutrition proved essential to maintaining his punishing running style over his 1,687 career snaps.

Mental health resources include access to sports psychologists who help players manage performance pressure and balance personal well-being.

Technological Integration in Training

Clemson embraces cutting-edge technology across all training aspects. GPS tracking systems monitor player movements during practice, measuring speed, acceleration, and workload to optimize performance and prevent injuries.

Video analysis platforms allow players like Mafah to study their own performances and opponent tendencies through tablet-based systems available 24/7. This technology contributed to Mafah’s development as both a runner and pass-catcher.

Tech Implementation	Purpose	Player Benefit
Force plate analysis	Measure power output	Improved explosion
VR training systems	Mental repetitions	Better decision-making
Biometric monitoring	Track recovery metrics	Injury prevention

The program utilizes advanced statistical analysis to inform coaching decisions and player development strategies. These analytics helped identify Mafah’s strengths as a between-the-tackles runner and areas for improvement in pass protection.

Communication systems connect coaches, players, and support staff through a unified platform that streamlines information sharing and feedback loops throughout the program.

Digital Engagement and Fan Experience

Phil Mafah’s rise to prominence at Clemson has coincided with significant advances in how fans connect with Tiger football stars both online and at Memorial Stadium. The running back’s presence across digital channels has helped strengthen the bond between Clemson’s program and its passionate fanbase.

Enhancing Fan Interaction with Clemson Football

Mafah has become a central figure in Clemson’s digital engagement strategy, with the punishing running back frequently featured in team content. The athletic department has implemented several authentication measures to ensure fans interact with verified team accounts rather than imposters.

During the 2024-25 season, fan engagement metrics around Mafah content showed impressive growth:

Platform	Engagement Rate	Growth vs. Previous Season
Instagram	8.2%	+24%
Twitter/X	5.7%	+18%
TikTok	12.3%	+37%

His presence on X (formerly Twitter) gives fans direct access to the Clemson star, where he occasionally shares personal insights while maintaining his understated demeanor.

Use of Digital Platforms for Supporter Involvement

Clemson’s football program has strategically positioned Mafah across multiple platforms to maximize fan connection. His participation in digital Q&A sessions has created authentic touchpoints with supporters.

The athletic department has implemented robust spam prevention systems, ensuring genuine fan comments receive responses while filtering out automated or inappropriate content. This protection has been especially important for higher-profile players like Mafah.

Virtual meet-and-greets coordinated through Clemson’s official channels have allowed fans from around the country to interact with the talented running back. These sessions typically fill up within minutes of announcement.

Mafah’s digital presence has notably focused on his development journey, giving fans insight into the work ethic that has established him as a cornerstone of Clemson’s offense.

Innovation in Game Day Experiences

The in-stadium experience at Memorial Stadium has evolved to showcase Mafah’s contributions through innovative digital activations. Throughout the venue, real-time stats displays highlight his in-game performance metrics.

Clemson has introduced a “Mafah Tracker” on the video board during games, displaying his rushing yards, touchdowns, and impact plays. This feature consistently draws fan attention during breaks in action.

The team app allows fans to receive push notifications for significant Mafah moments, including touchdowns and milestone achievements. These alerts often drive social media conversation spikes during and after games.

AR experiences in and around the stadium let fans virtually “train” with Mafah through their smartphones. These innovations have proven particularly popular with younger fans and families attending games.