Will Shipley’s Journey Towards the Coveted Maxwell Award
Exciting news for Clemson Football fans as running back Will Shipley has been named as one of 85 candidates on the watch list for the Maxwell Award, the most prestigious award in college football. This achievement is truly remarkable for the freshman, who has only played five games and already garnered national recognition for his talents on the field. With the full support of the Maxwell Football Club, Shipley now has a chance to join the ranks of legends such as Cam Newton, Baker Mayfield, and Lamar Jackson as Maxwell Award winners.
Will Shipley’s nomination for the Maxwell Award is not unfounded. So far, the freshman has shown immense potential as a running back, proving to be a valuable asset to the Clemson Football team. His agility, quickness, and raw talent make him a force to be reckoned with on the field, and his numbers speak for themselves. In the 14 games of the 2022-23 season, Shipley has rushed for 1182 yards and scored 15 touchdowns, averaging 5.2 yards per carry. In his 2 seasons at Clemson in 24 career games, Shipley had 1,920 yards and 26 touchdowns on 359 rushing attempts and 358 yards on 54 receptions. And these stats are just the tip of the iceberg. Shipley’s game sense, discipline, and dedication to the sport make him a strong contender for the Maxwell Award.
Shipley becoming just the fourth ACC player to record at least 11 rushing touchdowns in both his freshman and sophomore seasons, Shipley has proven to be a force to be reckoned with. It’s not just his ability to find the end zone, but his speed, agility, and sheer determination that make him a standout player on the field.
About The Maxwell Award
But what exactly is the Maxwell Award, and why is it so important for college football players? Named after Robert W. “Tiny” Maxwell, a prolific football player, coach, and sportswriter, the Maxwell Award has been awarded since 1937 to the best college football player in the nation. The award is decided by a panel of sportswriters, sportscasters, coaches, and college football experts, who evaluate nominees on the basis of their on-field performance, leadership, and character. Winning the Maxwell Award is not just a matter of skill and talent; it also represents the athlete’s contribution to their team, their ability to inspire and lead, and their dedication to the sport.
Being named as a candidate on the Maxwell Award watch list is only the first step for Will Shipley. The next stage is to become one of the semifinalists, then one of the three finalists, and finally, to win the award itself. The competition is fierce, with other notable candidates such as Matt Corral from Ole Miss, Bijan Robinson from Texas, and Bryce Young from Alabama. But with Shipley’s determination and potential, it’s not impossible for him to achieve greatness.
It’s important to note that Will Shipley’s nomination for the Maxwell Award is not just a personal victory; it’s also a testament to Clemson Football’s commitment to developing young talent and fostering a strong team culture. Coach Dabo Swinney has been instrumental in creating a supportive and competitive environment for his players, inspiring them to exceed their potential and maintain a high level of sportsmanship. Will Shipley is a product of this culture, and his nomination shows that Clemson Football is in good hands with Swinney at the helm.
As Clemson Football fans, we have every reason to be excited for Will Shipley and his nomination for the Maxwell Award. It’s a huge achievement for the freshman, and a sign of good things to come for the team. But beyond the accolades and recognition, what’s most impressive about Shipley is his work ethic and dedication to the sport. He embodies the values of Clemson Football and represents the best of what college football can be. With the guidance of Coach Swinney and the support of his teammates, Will Shipley has the potential to become a college football legend, and we’ll be rooting for him every step of the way.
