RB Lyn-J Dixon has entered the transfer portal. It really doesn’t come as much of a surprise. Here you have a senior running back who came into his senior season probably with the mindset that “I’m next man up, I’ve waited behind Etienne, it’s my turn”. Suffice it to say, it doesn’t always work that way.

RB Lyn-J Dixon has entered the transfer portal

Not knowing what goes on behind closed doors, the bulk of the carries in the 1st three games have gone to freshman RB Will Shipley (33 carries) and sophomore RB Kobe Pace (18 carries). This has got to affect the mindset of the senior running back. I’m not sure if the old adage “writing on the wall” fits or not but the recent handoff distribution certainly reflects it.

Going forward, Shipley and Pace look to be the mainstays. They certainly are the more talented and both seem to have a good grasp of the playbook. Behind those two are senior Darien Rencher and junior Michel Dukes. The RB room is in great shape. One to not forget is freshman Phil Mafah, who has yet to see any action. The departure of Dixon might speed up Mafah’s timeline.

The Dixon transfer comes on the heels of the departure of Chez Mellusi, who is now the starting running back at Wisconsin. The transfer portal makes it easy for “unhappy” players to take their ball and go somewhere else to play. Does Kelly Bryant come to mind?

Clemson rarely takes anyone through the transfer portal but has lost a few players recently. DT’s Nyles Pinckney and Jordan WIlliams transferred out last year, which could have provided much needed depth this year. DT Tyler Davis has been lost to the injury bug and will miss 6-8 weeks after having surgery. While there is quality depth behind Davis, Williams and/or Pinckney would have been a luxury. Instead, the Tigers will lean on Ruke Orhorhoro, Tre Williams, Darnell Jefferies and incoming freshman Payton Page.

The 2021 version of Clemson football is like the Forest Gump movie. “Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re going to get.”