Ian Schieffelin Announces Transition to Football at Clemson
Clemson University’s Ian Schieffelin, known for his impressive performance on the basketball court, is set to make the switch to football. The standout forward will play tight end for the Tigers under Coach Dabo Swinney starting next season.
Basketball Achievements
During his recent basketball season, Schieffelin had a stellar year, averaging 12.4 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game. These efforts culminated in All-ACC honors and contributed to a record-setting season for the Tigers, who achieved 27 wins— the most in the program’s history. With his basketball eligibility utilized, Schieffelin now has the chance to continue competing under NCAA guidelines by switching to a different Division I sport.
The Decision to Transition
The pivotal change in Schieffelin’s athletic career came following a conversation he had with Coach Swinney about two weeks ago. “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 said, expressing his enthusiasm about donning a Clemson jersey once more.
Position and Expectations
Standing at 6-foot-8 and weighing 240 pounds, Schieffelin is expected to translate his athleticism into the role of tight end. Coach Swinney remarked, “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. It should be fun.”
Filling a Gap
Schieffelin’s transition comes at a crucial time for Clemson, as the team seeks to fill the void left by departing starting tight end Jake Briningstool, who was the second-leading receiver last season with 49 receptions. While Schieffelin lacks extensive football experience beyond a few quarterbacking stints in high school, his athletic pedigree aligns him with a notable lineage of athletes who successfully transitioned from basketball to football, including names like Mo Alie-Cox, Antonio Gates, and Jimmy Graham.
Looking Ahead
With this shift, Schieffelin aims to not only contribute to the Clemson football program but also pursue opportunities at the professional level, maintaining his competitive edge in collegiate sports.