Mafah Expects More 'Mature' Offensive Line In 2024

Phil Mafah has patiently waited for the opportunity to be the guy.

After coming to Clemson as a member of the 2021 signing class, Mafah has spent a lot of time over the past three seasons sharing the backfield with former roommate Will Shipley.

With Shipley now having moved on to the NFL, Mafah is without question the featured back in the Tigers’ offense and last week in Charlotte, the senior talked about some of his goals for the upcoming season.

“There’s more to it than that, but yeah, definitely breaking 1,000 yards is one of my goals,” Mafah said at the ACC Kickoff. “This being my last year I just want to leave a mark on my teammates and my university.”

Despite sharing carries with Shipley, Mafah finished just shy of that mark last season, rushing for 965 yards. With Shipley out with an injury, Mafah ran all over Notre Dame’s defense to the tune of 186 yards, which was a career-high. Then in the Gator Bowl, with Shipley again sidelined with an injury, Mafah had four touchdowns in Clemson’s comeback win over Kentucky, helping him earn MVP honors.

As he heads into his final collegiate season, Mafah is primed for a breakout type of year. With Matt Luke now coaching the guys that will be doing the blocking in front of him, Mafah is anxious to get started.

“They look amazing honestly,” Mafah said. “Matt Luke coming in here and just changing that O-Line. He’s a great coach. Just having four starters back and having guys that have started games all back has been amazing. Having Ryan Linthicum come in there at center this year has been great.”

Mafah insists Luke’s impact on the offensive line is a noticeable one, and with a ton of experience returning, expectations are high.

“I just see a more mature offensive line,” Mafah added. “Guys know what to do, know what to expect and I am just really excited to see what they are going to do.”

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