Clemson basketball coach Brad Brownell on Ian Schieffelin joining the football team
When Ian Schieffelin announced his switch from basketball to football last week, one person who wasn't caught off guard was his former head coach.
According to reports from The Clemson Insider, at IPTAY's Road Show event in Greenville, Clemson basketball coach Brad Brownell shared that Schieffelin's love for football started long before his days as a Tiger. In fact, it dates back to Grayson High School in Georgia, where he lined up on the gridiron before ever making a name for himself on the hardwood.
"He's always loved football," Brownell said. "And he loves Clemson. The chance to stay here and be part of the program in a new way — I know that really appeals to him."
Now it's official: Schieffelin is a member of the Clemson football team and will play tight end in 2025. Thanks to NCAA rules, athletes can switch sports within their five-year eligibility window — and with four years of basketball behind him, Schieffelin has one season left to give football a shot.
Brownell thinks people may underestimate what he brings to the field.
"He's a much better athlete than most folks realize," Brownell said. "His legs are massive, he's incredibly strong, and he's probably a little faster than people expect. I think he can run in the 4.8 range."
Schieffelin, a second-team All-ACC selection this past season, helped lead Clemson to 27 wins and an Elite Eight appearance — the program's deepest NCAA Tournament run since 1980. He finished his basketball career with over 1,000 points and ranks seventh in school history in rebounds.
But Brownell also made it clear this decision came with a cost.
"People need to understand — he's walking away from a lot," Brownell said. "I don't know if he's an NBA guy, but he absolutely could've made serious money playing overseas. He's giving that up for a chance to try something new."
The NIL era of college sports makes the money less of a hit, but there is still likely a hit. Money clearly didn't dictate this decision from Schieffelin, but he's definitely still getting paid.
It will be an interesting saga to keep an eye on.
Contact us @Clemson_Wire on X, and like our page on Facebook for ongoing coverage of Clemson Tigers news and notes, plus opinions.
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