Latest news with #Schieffelin
USA Today
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
First look at former Clemson basketball star Ian Schieffelin with a football
First look at former Clemson basketball star Ian Schieffelin with a football Clemson's Dabo Swinney Camp is underway this week, but this year's event includes a new and unexpected face — former basketball standout Ian Schieffelin, now officially a member of the Clemson football program. Schieffelin made headlines last week when he shared a photoshopped image of himself in a half-basketball, half-football jersey with 'NEXT CHAPTER' written across it, signaling his transition from the hardwood to the gridiron. Now listed as a tight end on Clemson's official football roster, Schieffelin was seen participating in camp activities on Tuesday as the Tigers hosted hundreds of high school players from around the country. The 6-foot-8, 240-pound athlete brings a unique skill set to the football field. After four years on the basketball team under Brad Brownell, Schieffelin is using his final year of eligibility to try his hand at football. He was a consistent force for the Tigers this past season, averaging 12.4 points and 9.4 rebounds while starting all 34 games and helping Clemson reach a program-record 27 wins. Dabo Swinney has long been intrigued by Schieffelin's athleticism, once saying the forward could 'play whatever he wants.' Now, Swinney will have a chance to utilize that versatility as Clemson gears up for a highly anticipated 2025 season opener against LSU on August 30. Contact us @Clemson_Wire on X, and like our page on Facebook for ongoing coverage of Clemson Tigers news and notes, plus opinions.
USA Today
03-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Ian Schieffelin talks to ESPN about the call he got from Dabo Swinney to play football
Ian Schieffelin talks to ESPN about the call he got from Dabo Swinney to play football Ian Schieffelin made it official on Friday — he's trading in his basketball sneakers for football cleats, joining Clemson's football program as a tight end for the 2025 season. The All-ACC forward, fresh off a standout senior year with Clemson basketball, confirmed what had been rumored all week. He's stepping into a new challenge — one sparked by a phone call from Dabo Swinney just two weeks ago. 'I was training for the next level in basketball,' Schieffelin told ESPN. 'Then Coach Swinney laid out this opportunity, and it really got my attention. The idea of putting on a Clemson jersey again — in Death Valley this time — was just too good to pass up.' Schieffelin had long been admired by Swinney as a potential football talent, but he wasn't sure the coach was serious until the recent call. 'That conversation changed everything,' he said. 'It felt like a real shot to stick around, contribute to a championship-caliber team, and try something that's always been in the back of my mind.' Schieffelin played football growing up in Georgia at Grayson High School — the same powerhouse program that produced several Clemson players, including former teammate Phil Mafah. Now, he's hoping to join the small group of college athletes who've made the jump from basketball to football with success. 'I don't know how it'll go,' he admitted. 'Maybe I'll be great, maybe not — but it's worth finding out. Getting to represent Clemson again, especially on the football field, is something I'm really looking forward to.' While Schieffelin hasn't ruled out a future in basketball, his focus for now is on this next chapter — one that begins under the lights of Death Valley. Contact us @Clemson_Wire on X, and like our page on Facebook for ongoing coverage of Clemson Tigers news and notes, plus opinions.
USA Today
03-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Clemson basketball coach Brad Brownell on Ian Schieffelin joining the football team
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.
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Clemson Basketball Star Announces Shocking Switch to Football Team
The Clemson Tigers basketball team had a strong season in the ACC, finishing second behind the Duke Blue Devils. However, their NCAA Tournament run was cut short when they were upset in the first round by McNeese State as a No. 5 seed. Now, with the offseason underway and star forward Ian Schieffelin out of basketball eligibility, he made a surprising announcement on Friday: he's switching to football—and staying at Clemson to play under head coach Dabo Swinney. Advertisement Schieffelin has officially been added to the Clemson football roster and is currently listed as a tight end. At 6-foot-8 and 240 pounds, he brings an imposing physical presence to the position. He confirmed the news on social media Friday, posting a photo of himself wearing a split Clemson jersey—half basketball, half football—to mark the transition. "God Bless!" Schieffelin said. Back on April 21, Schieffelin posted, 'While I am pursuing my options at the professional level, I have been advised—due to pending NCAA cases—to enter the portal on the very outside chance that more eligibility is granted.' Advertisement Ultimately, he made the decision to pursue a different path, which sparked a strong reaction from Clemson fans. "Build the statue," a fan said. "Rumor has it he's already a first round draft pick at TE next season," another fan posted. "Fuel Cade's heisman season goat," someone else added. One more fan commented, "The Chef will be cookin' in Death Valley!" Clemson Tigers forward Ian Schieffelin (4).Eric Canha-Imagn Images Schieffelin spent four seasons with the Clemson basketball program, appearing in 134 games and averaging 8.0 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 2.0 assists over his collegiate career. However, he took a major step forward during his senior year, averaging 12.4 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 2.7 assists while logging 33.4 minutes per game. Advertisement Now, he'll look to make an impact on the football field as he joins a Clemson football team led by returning starting quarterback Cade Klubnik, with the program entering the season with high expectations. Related: Dabo Swinney Adds Former Clemson QB To Coaching Staff: Report
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Clemson's Ian Schieffelin will switch from basketball to football, playing tight end for Dabo Swinney
Ian Schieffelin has used up his college basketball eligibility at Clemson, having finished four years with the Tigers this past season. However, NCAA rules allow student-athletes to compete in other sports within an overall five-year window of eligibility. With one year remaining, the 6-foot-8, 225-pound power forward is taking up football coach Dabo Swinney's offer of playing tight end for the Clemson football program next season. Advertisement Schieffelin announced on social media that he intends to pursue football in what he called "the next chapter" of his athletic career. "I'm excited about Ian's addition,' Swinney said in a statement. 'He is a great competitor with high level success at the college level. He has elite football measurables that I believe will translate well. I'm looking forward to helping him transition and build a football foundation that will give him a chance to not only help us at Clemson but also give him a chance to play pro football." Schieffelin is currently listed on Clemson's official football roster as a tight end with redshirt senior status. This past season, Schieffelin averaged 12.4 points and 9.4 rebounds, helping the Tigers to a 27-7 record and a second-place finish in the ACC at 18-2. Clemson was a No. 5 seed in the Midwest Regional of the NCAA men's tournament, but was upset by McNeese in the first round. Though his college basketball eligibility was finished, Schieffelin entered the transfer portal after the season on the possibility that he might receive a fifth year amid lawsuits against the NCAA pushing for five seasons of eligibility during a five-year span. However, he acknowledged that an "outside chance" would allow for another year playing basketball. Advertisement So Schieffelin had been preparing for an opportunity to play professionally overseas or in the G League. That is, until Swinney floated the idea of playing football for a season. "I've been just training for basketball, getting ready for the next level," Schieffelin told ESPN's David Hale. "Dabo just walked me through the opportunity he was willing to give me, and it all sounded great, something I wanted to jump on," Schieffelin told ESPN's David Hale. "It really just sparked my interest in wanting to try, and being able to put on a Clemson jersey again was very enticing to me," he continued. "To be able to be coached by Dabo and [tight ends coach Kyle] Richardson is just a huge opportunity I couldn't pass up." Clemson lost top tight end Jake Briningstool, leaving a chance for Schieffelin to compete for a spot among several unproven prospects including Josh Happ, Olsen Patt-Henry and Banks Pope. He played tight end and quarterback in high school, but decided to focus on basketball as a junior and senior. Pivoting from basketball to football has resulted in great success for some players, notably Hall of Famers Antonio Gates and Julius Peppers, in addition to Jimmy Graham. Until the renaissance of tight ends over the past 15 years or so, football coaches often lamented that the best prospects at the position opted to play basketball instead. That has certainly changed, creating an opportunity for players like Schieffelin.
