Courtesy of Clemson University Athletics
CLEMSON, S.C. — The 2024 college football season is quickly coming to an end with the national championship game taking place on January 20th in Atlanta, GA.
Clemson’s season came to an end on Saturday, Dec. 21st as they suffered a first round loss in the College Football Playoffs to fifth-ranked Texas.
The Tigers won the ACC Championship and returned to the postseason for the first time since 2020. They finished the year with a 9-4 record and that’s due in large part to senior running back Phil Mafah. He closed his college career with 2,887 total rushing yards and 28 rushing touchdowns. As a senior, Mafah rushed for 1,115 yards and rushing touchdowns. The Grayson High School graduate out of Loganville, GA was apart of the 2021 recruiting class. The former four-star prospect held offers from Arizona, Auburn, Baylor and Duke.
He got better each year in college and burst onto the scene as a sophomore with 515 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns. He followed that up with an outstanding junior season as the backup behind Will Shipley with 965 rushing yards and 13 rushing touchdowns. He concluded the 2023 season as Gator Bowl MVP.
Mafah took to social media to thank his coaches, university and the Tigers’ fan base after announcing his decision.
“I would first like to start off by thanking Jesus Christ My Lord and Savior for giving me this opportunity over the last four years to play at Clemson University,” Mafah wrote. “I appreciate my family, teammates and Clemson staff for all of the support and encouragement throughout the years. My time at Clemson has helped shape me into the man I am today and will help me for the years to come. I also want to thank you to the fans that have supported us from the beginning.”
He continued, “Most of all, being able to use my platform to spread the Word of God has brought me the most joy. With that being said, I am excited to turn my attention to the 2025 NFL Draft. Go Tigers!”
Senior tight end Jake Briningstool also announced he would be declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft as well. He recorded 1,380 receiving yards and 17 touchdown receptions in his Tigers’ career. As a senior, he had his best season with 49 receptions, career-high 540 receiving yards and a career-high seven touchdown receptions. The six-foot-six prospect also accepted an invite to the Reese’s Senior Bowl that will take place in February 2025 at the University of South Alabama’s Hancock Whitney Stadium.
“Thank you Clemson! First and foremost, I want to give all the glory to GOD and thank my lord and Savior for the blessings he’s given to me. To my family, thank you for always being there for me and supporting my biggest dreams ever since I was a little kid. I wouldn’t be where I am now without your love and guidance. To my coaches, thank you for all you have instilled in me and helped develop me into the man and player I am today,” Briningstool wrote.
He continued, “To my teammates, thank you for believing in me and having my back. I will miss taking the field together everyday and the bond we have created. To the Clemson family, thank you for accepting me and cheering me on for the past 4 years. I have enjoyed my time here and look forward to what the future holds. With that being said I am excited to announce I will be entering the 2025 NFL Draft.”
Both players were projected to be day three picks at the beginning of the season.
Reach Greg Hollis @ 803-768-3117 or on X @TheNBOnews