‘Not used the right way’: Former Clemson player sounds off on transfer decision
A former Clemson football player turned heads Sunday by declaring on social media that the Tigers hadn’t used him correctly during his time with the team.
Transfer running back Keith Adams Jr. went on to clarify that he wasn’t taking a direct shot at Dabo Swinney and the rest of Clemson’s coaching staff with that comment. But he also doubled down on his belief in himself and his talents.
“I lead a game in rushing playing less than 5 minutes,” Adams wrote on X, referencing a game against Boston College this season when he had 49 yards and a touchdown. “I didn’t ask to start, I just wanted to play more. I didn’t get that.”
The veteran running back added in another post: “I was not used the right way at my previous school and have proven multiple times that I am worthy to play.”
Adams’ complaints a rarity for Clemson transfers
It’s not uncommon for players to transfer in search of more playing time. It’s also not uncommon for players to privately voice frustration about a lack of snaps. But it’s rare (especially at Clemson) for a player to go public with complaints.
Adams, 22, a redshirt junior from Utah who announced he’d enter the portal on Dec. 9, did just that on Sunday, posting a two-minute film reel from Clemson games and scrimmages to social media to promote himself to other schools.
Adams, who has one year of eligibility left, wrote that he was misused at Clemson and he plans on “making a huge impact on wherever I go. I guarantee I’ll be the hardest running back to tackle in college football.”
Nicknamed “Hammerhead” for his punishing running style, Adams (5-9, 220) carried the ball 58 times for 274 yards and a touchdown across four years. His usage particularly fell off in 2025, as he played just 36 snaps in 11 games.
After being utilized as a short-yardage back and fullback in 2024, Adams fell below starter Adam Randall and backups Gideon Davidson and David Eziomume on the depth chart and played special teams only in most games.
Other recent examples of Clemson players who criticized their role on the team after departing include former QB DJ Uiagalelei and WR Troy Stellato.
Adams: ‘I am not blaming anyone’
The son of former Clemson star linebacker and all-time leading tackler Keith Adams, Adams Jr. specifically highlighted Clemson’s Oct. 11 win at Boston College as an example of why he should’ve gotten more playing time.
In that 41-10 road win, Adams subbed in for Clemson’s final drive with 5:26 remaining and carried the ball on seven straight plays, gaining 49 yards and punching in his final carry for a one-yard touchdown.
Adams touched the ball just three more times in Clemson’s final six games, and all three carries came in the second half of a blowout win vs. FCS Furman.
“I am not blaming anyone at all,” Adams wrote on X Monday, after his original post drew attention. “I feel like it is right for me to stand up for myself and not be silent. I’m sure a lot of players go through the same thing.”
Adams’ position coach at Clemson was RBs coach CJ Spiller, and his offensive coordinator was Garrett Riley (who was fired late Monday). Speaking broadly about Clemson’s coaches Monday, Adams wrote in another post that he’d “shown nothing but respect to all the coaches and I will continue to do that.”
“I love them and they know that,” Adams wrote. “Please stop trying to twist my words against them. I just need new an opportunity to showcase what I can do.”
Clemson football 2025 transfers
- ATH Marquise Henderson (offseason)
- DB Shelton Lewis (mid-season)
- LB Dee Crayton
- RB Keith Adams Jr.
- S Khalil Barnes
- LB Jamal Anderson
This story was originally published December 30, 2025 at 12:05 PM with the headline "‘Not used the right way’: Former Clemson player sounds off on transfer decision."
