33. Gideon Davidson - Clemson Tigers
Phil Mafah has moved on, and the Clemson Tigers have a big hole in the backfield. Some returning candidates could step up, but the most likely future star is a true freshman who appears poised for an immediate role. Gideon Davidson, a star recruit from Virginia who racked up 2,054 yards and 34 touchdowns as a senior, has impressed in spring practice, and offensive coordinator Garrett Riley has not been shy about heaping praise on the young back. “The guy’s just natural. I mean, he’s a natural, natural balance, a cutter. He can be a violent runner, I think he’s got natural hands and can do things where you’re spreading him out or things in the passing game.” Dabo Swinney is typically reticent to trust young players with the ball, but he played true freshmen at receiver last season, and if Davidson is the best back, he’ll see the field, and I believe that once he does, he won’t give the starting running back job back.
