A Near Transfer That Never Happened
C.J. Spiller arrived at Clemson as a highly touted recruit from Union County, Florida, where he led his high school team to the state finals and captured multiple track titles. His senior season saw him amass over 5,500 rushing yards and 30 touchdowns, earning him a place among the top area players in history as recognized by the Gainesville Sun.
During his freshman year, Spiller flirted with the idea of transferring to the Florida Gators. The program, fresh off a 2006 national championship under Urban Meyer, appealed to him because of his strong rapport with Meyer and coach Stan Drayton, who had also recruited him.
Swinney’s Persuasion and a New Path
Dabo Swinney, then in his early coaching years, called Spiller aside and urged him to stay and prove himself at Clemson. The conversation convinced Spiller to remain, setting the stage for a breakout sophomore season in which he rushed for 939 yards and 10 touchdowns.
After an NFL career that included a ninth‑overall pick by the Buffalo Bills and a Pro Bowl selection in 2012, Spiller returned to campus as a volunteer assistant on the track and field staff. He later became a graduate assistant and was promoted to running backs coach in 2021, a role in which he now mentors players both on the field and in personal development.