Change is never easy, but for Adam Randall, it’s an opportunity. The Clemson standout has spent years making plays as a wide receiver, but now, he’s embracing a new role, one that could redefine his football career.
The transition to running back isn’t as drastic for Randall as it might seem. He’s always had a natural ability to run with the ball, and this spring, he’s refining the details of the position.
“I’ve always been running with the ball, so it’s not really too much of a big difference,” Randall said. “But just kind of being patient, slowing myself down, and learning the details of the position has been the biggest thing I’ve been working on this spring.”
The decision to move him to running back came fast, so fast, in fact, that Randall barely had time to process it. Leading up to the ACC Championship game against SMU, he was still lining up at receiver. Then, before Clemson’s College Football Playoff showdown against Texas, the coaching staff dropped the news.
“It just kind of was a blur,” Randall admitted. “It was a quick change, and I just embraced it. I knew I could be good at it because I’ve always run with the ball, but I needed to learn the details. This spring has given me the chance to slow things down and really focus.”
Despite the sudden position switch, Randall wasn’t starting from scratch. Having spent two years in Clemson’s offensive system, he already had a strong grasp of its foundational concepts.
“They kept it pretty base with me,” he said. “I knew where the lanes were supposed to be and just tried to hit them full speed.”
Still, playing running back at a high level requires much more than simply carrying the ball. One of the biggest challenges has been learning pass protection.
“Just getting on the same page as the offensive linemen has been huge,” Randall explained. “Footwork in the backfield is different than at receiver, so I’ve been working on that daily.”
With the transfer portal offering a fast track for players looking to reinvent themselves elsewhere, Randall easily could have taken his talents to another program. But that was never in the cards.
“Clemson was the place I wanted to be,” he said. “Other places are cool and have their perks, but this is home.”
Physically, the move didn’t require drastic changes. At 230-232 pounds, he’s only added about five pounds of muscle while maintaining his speed. His size and skill set make him a rare breed in Clemson’s backfield.
“I’ve watched guys like Cordarrelle Patterson and Deebo Samuel—players who can be moved around and used in different ways,” Randall said. “Being able to run routes like a receiver gives me an edge over most running backs.”
That versatility has already caused headaches for linebackers in practice, and Randall knows it will be a problem for opponents come game time.
“They’re going to have to figure something out,” Randall said with a grin. “That’s an aspect of my game that a lot of running backs don’t have.”
As smooth as his transition has looked on the surface, it hasn’t come without growing pains. One of the biggest adjustments? Learning to lower his pad level.
“The first couple of days, I was running too high,” he admitted. “Now I’m learning to drop my hips and get lower. If I don’t, I’ll get stood up.”
Another challenge has been learning to slow down. Running backs must be patient, allowing their blocks to develop, a stark contrast to the instant acceleration expected from a receiver.
“It was hard on me for a couple of days,” Randall said. “But once I got it down, I started rolling. I just try to learn from the other guys in the room and from Coach Spiller.”
His first real test as a running back came in the CFP against Texas, when he ripped off a 40-yard run that left fans wondering if he had been playing the position all along.
“It just felt natural,” he said. “When it happened, oI was like, ‘Hey, let’s do it again.’”
Now, with a full offseason to refine his craft, Randall has a chance to turn himself into one of the most dynamic weapons in Clemson’s offense. His size, speed, and receiver background give him a unique edge, one that could make him a nightmare for the rest defenses in 2025.
One thing is certain: Adam Randall isn’t just making a position switch. He’s making a statement.
