Another Clemson running back to transfer
Another member of Clemson’s backfield is leaving the program.
Michel Dukes intends to transfer, a school spokesperson told The State on Tuesday night.
It is the second straight day a Clemson player said they are leaving the program. Safety Joseph Charleston expressed his intent to enter the transfer portal to head coach Dabo Swinney last week, saying he feels like he needs a fresh start somewhere else.
“It’s disappointing, but I’m just kind of numb to it now,” Swinney said on Tuesday. “That’s just 2021. There’s probably going to be news every week. ... I love Joseph. I think he’s a really good player, like a really good player. He’s had a lot of unfortunate issues and situations. He’s had injuries. He’s missed a lot of camp this fall. He’s battled hamstring. He’s had a lot of things.”
Dukes is the second Clemson running back to announce his departure. Lyn-J Dixon announced less than a month ago he is entering the transfer portal. Dixon was listed as a possible starter with Kobe Pace throughout fall camp and ended up getting one start in the Tigers’ season home opener against S.C. State. Pace started at running back for two of the first three games before freshman Will Shipley earned his first collegiate start against NC State. He ended up suffering a knee injury and has been out ever since. The North Carolina native was expected to start back in practice this week, though his timetable to return to the field is unknown.
With Shipley out, Clemson opted not to redshirt Phil Mafah, also a freshman, and play him this season. Instead of Dukes, Mafah was named RB2 behind Pace. Darien Rencher rounds out the Tigers’ running back group.
Dukes has only two carries this season, both coming against S.C. State. Last season, he had eight carries for 55 yards. As a freshman, he had 150 yards rushing and two touchdowns.
“One of the best athletes on this team, but just a guy that never really kind of, he’s just a sophomore, but he hasn’t really taken the step yet where he’s detailed and consistent day-in and day-out at all the little things,” Swinney said of Dukes on Sept. 28 following Shipley’s injury. “That’s really kind of what’s held him back and that’s why he’s been where he is. Athletically, physically, he’s gifted, but maybe this is an opportunity that he’s going to step up and take advantage of because he’s going to get a chance.”
Dukes, who played at First Baptist in Charleston, committed to the Tigers in February of 2019. 247Sports ranked Dukes a three-star prospect and 11th best in the state for Class of 2019.
Dukes also was a basketball standout and visited Syracuse and East Carolina, which offered him to play both football and basketball. South Carolina also offered him early in the recruiting process.
Dukes was a four-year starter at First Baptist, a private school located in Charleston. He had more than 8,000 total yards and 120 touchdowns in his career. He helped the Hurricanes to back-to-back SCISA state championships in 2016 and 2017.
This story was originally published October 19, 2021 at 6:50 PM with the headline "Another Clemson running back to transfer."
