Shipley Makes Most of Opportunities, Shines in Camp

In his first NFL training camp, a former Clemson star is getting the chance to show what he can do on the field.

Will Shipley, now a rookie running back with the Philadelphia Eagles, received plenty of first-team reps in practice on Monday due to starting running back Saquon Barkley missing the practice for personal reasons.

A dynamic and versatile weapon both on offense and special teams, Shipley was selected by the Eagles in the fourth round (No. 127 overall pick) of this year’s NFL Draft following a prolific three-year career at Clemson (2021-23).

“I feel great so far in camp,” Shipley said to the media, via 94WIP.com Eagles reporter Eliot Shorr-Parks. “Just very blessed to, first of all, be here in Philadelphia, but also getting the opportunities, getting the reps that I am, and just want to make the most of them.”

Shipley reportedly did just that on Monday, taking full advantage of those reps and opening eyes in the process.

Per Shorr-Parks , Shipley shined while getting a team-high five touches with the first-team offense, and showed off his hands with an impressive catch down the sideline between a couple of defenders.

Shipley and fourth-year running back Kenneth Gainwell are competing for the No. 2 running back spot on the depth chart behind Barkley.

“I’m going to go in there and I’m going to make sure that I’m prepared going into practice and get ready for anything that’s shot my way,” Shipley said. “When opportunities like (Monday) come up where it’s just me and Kenny mostly getting the first-team reps, and I get some more in there, I want to make sure to take advantage of days like that and move forward and do good with that.”

Shipley finished his Clemson career in the top 10 in school history in total touchdowns (33), rushing touchdowns (31), 100-yard rushing games (10), all-purpose yards (4,253) and kickoff return yards (904). He also finished ranked 11th in rushing yards (2,747).

In 2023, Shipley became the ninth player in school history to score 30 career touchdowns and the eighth player at Clemson ever to rush for 30 touchdowns.

The 5-foot-11, 206-pounder finished last season with 827 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns on 167 carries to go with 31 catches for 244 yards and two receiving scores in 12 games.

After making an instant impact as a freshman in 2021, Shipley followed that campaign with a 2022 season in which he became the first player in ACC history to be selected as a first-team All-ACC honoree in three different categories (running back, all-purpose and specialist) and was one of four finalists for the Paul Hornung Award (nation’s most versatile player).

–Photo courtesy Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

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