Although the 2024 season didn’t finish as the Clemson Tigers had hoped, they still made history by reaching the first expanded College Football Playoff and added another Atlantic Coast Conference championship to their collection.
Several players had standout performances throughout the season, and three of them are now preparing for one final showcase before the 2025 NFL draft.
Running back Phil Mafah, defensive tackle Payton Page, and safety R.J. Mickens are set to represent Clemson in the East-West Shrine Bowl, the longest-running college all-star football game in the country, which benefits the Shriners Children’s Hospital and raises awareness for the organization.
Mafah finishes his college career with 2,887 rushing yards on 561 carries, 28 rushing touchdowns, and 309 receiving yards on 58 catches. He became the first Clemson rusher since Will Shipley in 2022 to surpass the 1,000-yard mark in a season.
Page, a fixture on Clemson’s defensive line, has been a nightmare for opposing offenses, recording 60 tackles, 8 tackles for loss, and a half-sack in 53 games. He also recovered two fumbles, deflected two passes, and intercepted one, which he returned for a 57-yard touchdown this season.
Mickens, who spent five years as a safety under coach Dabo Swinney, wraps up his career with 196 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, one fumble recovery, 12 pass deflections, and seven interceptions over 60 games. While he didn’t return any interceptions for a touchdown, his contributions were invaluable to the Tigers’ defense.
These three players will now aim to finish their collegiate careers with a strong performance in the East-West Shrine Bowl, hoping to boost their NFL draft prospects.