Athletic shift for Clemson's Ian Schieffelin: He temporarily halts basketball pursuits to join Dabo Swinney's football squad
Ready to shake things up at Clemson? After four years on the basketball court, Ian Schieffelin is taking a swing at college football, following Dabo Swinney's intriguing offer.
Having just finished his final season with the basketball team, the 6-foot-8 power forward has decided to defer his entry into professional basketball. Swinney has been nudging the idea of a football comeback for Schieffelin for the past eight months, reminding him of his days as a quarterback at Grayson High School in Loganville, Ga.
While Swinney's offer was initially a friendly gesture, Schieffelin didn't take it too seriously. But recently, the Clemson football coach made it official. The Tigers are looking to fill the void left by tight end Jake Briningstool, who signed an undrafted free agent deal with the Kansas City Chiefs.
Swinney hinted at the possibility during the 2024 season, drawing attention to the waiting spot for Schiefflin on the roster. "He could play tight end, D-end. He could play whatever he wanted to play," Swinney said. "He'd be an unbelievable left tackle. I'll definitely have a spot. We have a lot of rev share ready too if he wants to pass up wherever he's going after basketball."
Schieffelin Coordinates with NFL's Mo Alie-Cox
After a successful run as a force in the paint for a Clemson basketball team that set a school record for wins (albeit falling to 12th-seeded McNeese in the NCAA tournament), Schieffelin sought advice from Indianapolis Colts tight end Mo Alie-Cox. Alie-Cox, who played four years for the VCU basketball team before transitioning to football, entered his eighth NFL season.
When asked about his decision, Schieffelin told ESPN, "Dabo just walked me through the opportunity he was willing to give me, and it all sounded great, something I wanted to jump on."
Now, Swinney is adding a massive talent to his tight end corps, looking to Schieffelin to make an impact for the Tigers this coming season. With three months to prepare before fall camp opens in August, Schieffelin enters this new endeavor with an optimistic and eager mindset.
"Just being able to compete with these guys and impact the team any way I can," Schieffelin shared with ESPN. "I'm going into this very optimistic and ready to learn. Being able to compete every day is something I enjoy. To learn football and have fun."
Clemson fans may find some similarities between Schieffelin's transition and those of NFL stars such as Jimmy Graham, Antonio Gates, and Julius Peppers, who all made the switch from college basketball to football. However, it's important to note that no NBA players have followed a path similar to Schieffelin's, transitioning from the professional basketball ranks to college football.
Regardless of the challenges ahead, Schieffelin is excited for the opportunity. "To put a Clemson jersey on again is really special to me, and to do it this time in Death Valley is going to be amazing," he said.
With time, talent, and some unmatched determination, perhaps Schieffelin can make the transition from basketball star to football player a promising success story for the Tigers.
- Schieffelin has decided to defer his entry into professional basketball and is taking a swing at college football, following Dabo Swinney's intriguing offer.
- Swinney has been nudging the idea of a football comeback for Schieffelin for the past eight months, reminding him of his days as a quarterback at Grayson High School in Loganville, Ga.
- Schieffelin is adding a massive talent to Clemson's tight end corps, looking to make an impact for the Tigers this coming season.
- Schieffelin sought advice from Indianapolis Colts tight end Mo Alie-Cox, who played four years for the VCU basketball team before transitioning to football.
- If Schieffelin can overcome the challenges ahead, he might make the transition from basketball star to football player a promising success story for the Tigers.
