35 Facts About Phil Mafah

Early Life and High School Career

Phil Mafah's journey to becoming a standout running back began in Loganville, Georgia. His high school career set the stage for his future success.

1. Phil Mafah attended Grayson High School in Loganville, Georgia.
2. During his high school career, he accumulated 2,526 rushing yards and 37 touchdowns.
3. Mafah committed to Clemson University to play college football on August 29, 2019.
4. He was a highly rated recruit, earning 4-star rankings from Rivals, 247Sports, and ESPN.

College Debut and Freshman Year

Mafah's freshman year at Clemson showed glimpses of his potential, even with limited playing time.

5. As a true freshman at Clemson in 2021, Mafah played in nine games with one start.
6. He had 68 carries for 292 yards and three touchdowns during his freshman season.
7. Despite limited action, Mafah's freshman season showed promise, setting the stage for future success.

Sophomore Year and Backup Role

In his sophomore year, Mafah continued to develop, serving as a reliable backup.

8. In 2022, Mafah started one of 14 games and rushed for 515 yards on 98 carries.
9. He scored four touchdowns during the 2022 season.
10. Mafah primarily served as the backup to Will Shipley in 2022 but still managed to contribute significantly to the team's offense.

Junior Year and Breakout Season

The 2023 season marked a breakout year for Mafah, where he shared the spotlight with Will Shipley.

11. In the 2023 season, Mafah split carries with Will Shipley, forming a dynamic duo.
12. Mafah rushed for 965 yards on 179 carries in 2023.
13. He scored 13 touchdowns, showcasing his growth and dominance on the field.
14. One of Mafah's signature moments came in the 2023 Gator Bowl against Kentucky.
15. He rushed for 71 yards and a Clemson bowl-record four touchdowns in the Gator Bowl, including three in the fourth quarter to lead a comeback victory.

Scouting Report and NFL Prospects

Mafah's skills and potential have caught the attention of NFL scouts, making him a promising prospect.

16. Mafah brings a punishing, downhill style to the table that will turn heads in NFL war rooms.
17. His blend of size, vision, and power screams bell-cow potential at the next level.
18. His development as a pass-catcher and improved blitz pickup during his senior campaign have scouts buzzing about three-down value.
19. Mafah's career rushing average stands at 5.1 yards per carry, demonstrating his effectiveness as a runner.
20. His career receiving average is 5.6 yards per catch, showing his ability to contribute in the passing game as well.

College Career Statistics

Mafah's college career statistics highlight his contributions to Clemson's offense.

21. Throughout his career at Clemson, Mafah accumulated 1,772 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns.
22. He also recorded 206 receiving yards, although he did not score any receiving touchdowns.
23. Mafah played in a total of 36 games during his time at Clemson.
24. He started 10 games out of the 36 he played, showcasing his importance to the team's offense.
25. In his college career, Mafah attempted 345 rushes, making him one of the most prolific rushers in Clemson history.

Senior Season Highlights

Mafah's senior season was particularly notable, cementing his status as a top running back in college football.

26. The 2023 season was particularly notable for Mafah, as he led the Clemson Tigers in rushing yards and touchdowns.
27. In the 2023 Gator Bowl, Mafah's performance was instrumental in Clemson's victory over Kentucky.
28. His four touchdowns in the game set a Clemson bowl-record, showcasing his ability to dominate games.
29. Mafah's partnership with Will Shipley in the 2023 season formed a dynamic duo that led the Clemson Tigers' running game.
30. Mafah earned fourth-team All-ACC honors in the 2023 season, recognizing his outstanding performance as a running back in the ACC.

Future Prospects

As Mafah prepares for the NFL Draft, his future looks bright with his impressive skill set and potential.

31. As he enters the 2025 NFL Draft, Mafah's profile is highly regarded.
32. His size, vision, and power make him a prime candidate for a bell-cow role in the NFL.
33. Mafah's ability to consistently move the chains and wear down defenses makes him tailor-made for a ground-and-pound offense in the NFL.
34. His versatility in both zone and gap schemes will appeal to offensive coordinators looking to diversify their ground game.
35. Mafah's development as a pass-catcher and improved blitz pickup skills have significantly improved his three-down value, making him a more attractive prospect to NFL teams.

Phil Mafah's Bright Future

Phil Mafah has proven himself as a standout running back for the Clemson Tigers. From his early days at Grayson High School to his impressive college career, he's shown talent, dedication, and growth. With 1,772 rushing yards, 20 touchdowns, and a memorable performance in the 2023 Gator Bowl, Mafah has cemented his place in Clemson history. His ability to split carries with Will Shipley and still shine speaks volumes about his skills. As he prepares for the 2025 NFL Draft, scouts are buzzing about his potential. His size, vision, and power, combined with improved pass-catching and blitz pickup, make him a promising NFL prospect. Phil Mafah's journey from Loganville, Georgia, to Clemson has been remarkable, and his future in professional football looks incredibly bright. Keep an eye on this rising star.