Clemson running back Will Shipley is a good preseason darkhorse pick for the Heisman Trophy, according to at least one analyst.

ESPN’s Greg McElroy picked Shipley during a segment at SEC Media Days on Monday afternoon.

Shipley, who rushed for 739 yards and 11 touchdowns as a freshman last season, certainly qualifies as a darkhorse pick. He’s currently +10000 to win the award, according to DraftKings.

Here’s McElroy’s analysis:

“Let’s feed this talented running back,” McElroy said when describing what Clemson’s offense should be in 2022. “And when you think of what Will Shipley can do in the passing game, it reminds me a little bit of Christian McCaffrey.

“Couple that with the fact that in order to win the Heisman Trophy, you have to be in the College Football Playoff conversation. And I expect a bounce-back performance from Clemson. I expect them to win the ACC and to get to the College Football Playoff. With [Shipley] being their best player, it gives him a real chance at it.”

Clemson should be in for a bounce-back season, as McElroy describes. The Tigers have arguably the top returning defense in the country and should be much-improved on offense in Year 2 with quarterback DJ Uiagalelei.

If Clemson can get back to the College Football Playoff, Shipley should have a good chance of being a Heisman Trophy finalist.

Clemson is still seeking its first Heisman Trophy. Deshuan Watson and Trevor Lawrence were close in recent years, but came up short. Running back CJ Spiller finished 6th in 2009.