Mafah Excited about Playing in Front of Hometown Fans

CLEMSON – Fourteenth-ranked Clemson heads to Mercedes-Benz Stadium to face off against No.1 Georgia Saturday in Atlanta.

The media had the opportunity to speak with running back Phil Mafah to discuss the Tigers’ opening game.

–Mafah touched on conversations he had with running backs coach C.J. Spiller about becoming a leader. “It just starts with me and the leadership and if I don’t do it others won’t, so I got to set the tempo you know whenever we are in practice, in the meeting room. Everyone is looking at me and what I am doing so I got to make sure I am doing the right thing and staying focused.”

–When asked about his workload Mafah wanted to make sure he prioritizes the team winning. “Just being ready in practice and honestly in game, I do not really think about how many times I am getting the ball honestly. I am just thinking about winning, you know whatever it takes to win. That is just my main priority… and when the other guys get in there helping them out and giving them anything they need in order to be successful.”

–Mafah reminisced on being from Atlanta and getting to start his last season with the Tigers in his hometown. “I think it is the perfect way to be able to play. Game on in Atlanta. Just personally for me being from Atlanta and being able to play a great team like Georgia, who has had so much success, and to see our capabilities and where our hard work will take us… it feels like a playoff game so that kind of mentality is what is needed and honestly that is what you want as a player.”