Clemson redshirt freshman running back David Eziomume may not have seen much game action yet, but the buzz surrounding him over the past two days and throughout the offseason has been hard to ignore. Coaches and teammates at Clemson have raved about his physical style of play, with some even comparing him to one of the most feared backs in NFL history.
Garrett Riley Praises “Violent” Style
Offensive coordinator Garrett Riley has seen plenty of talented running backs in his career, but Eziomume’s approach to the game has stood out in camp. When asked about the young back’s progress, Riley didn’t hesitate to highlight the edge he brings.
“I think he’s improved a lot. And, um, you know, he certainly brings, you know, some violence to that position group,” Riley said. “So, that’s what you love about Easy, he’s going to play full speed and he’s going to have bad intentions.”
That “bad intentions” label has quickly become a calling card for Eziomume, whose nickname “Easy-E” has caught on in the locker room. Riley’s comments suggest Clemson may have found a powerful weapon who complements the Tigers’ running back rotation with a bruising presence.
Wade Woodaz: “He Runs Angry”
Senior linebacker Wade Woodaz, who has been tasked with tackling David Eziomume in practice, gave perhaps the most eye-opening comparison.
“Yeah, David runs really angry. You can like hear it in the way he runs like grunting and he just runs angry,” Woodaz said. “Like, you know, you look at Marshawn Lynch, you see him, like, you just see him running into you.”
For a defensive leader like Woodaz to invoke the name of Marshawn Lynch, a Super Bowl champion and one of the most physical runners in NFL history, says a lot about the impression that David Eziomume is making.
Adam Randall Sees the Similarities Too
Even Adam Randall, Clemson’s newly appointed starting running back, echoed the Lynch comparisons when I asked him about his backfield teammate.
“Yeah, I mean, I would say David might be a little bit taller, but yeah, he definitely runs with the same violence, same physicality,” Randall said. “I do think that him being compared to Marshawn Lynch is a good comparison. He definitely runs with that violence and, you know, physicality like Marshawn.”
For Randall, a converted wide receiver turned running back, having a physical runner like David Eziomume alongside him could be a valuable piece in Clemson’s offensive puzzle this season.
David Eziomume: Building His Identity
Coming out of high school, Eziomume entered Clemson as a four-star recruit out of Kennesaw, Georgia, known for his athleticism and versatility. After redshirting in 2024, he’s beginning to carve out an identity as a punishing runner, the kind of back who thrives in short-yardage situations and wears down defenses.
The comparisons to Marshawn Lynch are lofty, Lynch rushed for over 10,000 yards in the NFL and left a legacy as one of the most physical backs the league has ever seen. But for Eziomume, the fact that multiple voices in Clemson’s camp are seeing shades of “Beast Mode” in his game speaks volumes. Marshall Lynch wore number 24 which also happens to be the same number that Eziomume wears, could that be a coincidence?
What It Means for Clemson
With Adam Randall set to take the starting role, Clemson’s backfield will likely be a committee effort. Having a power runner like David Eziomume gives Garrett Riley and head coach Dabo Swinney another dimension, one that could pay dividends in the grind of ACC play.
If the past two days and beyond are any indication, it’ll be no time before “Easy-E” shows everyone what the hype is about surrounding him.
