Big news for Clemson Tigers fans: redshirt freshman running back David Eziomume has quickly become a key piece of the team’s offense. On top of that, he’s landed a notable NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deal with Popeyes.
This partnership is part of a campaign celebrating college football players who’ve gone from backups in 2024 to starters in 2025. Eziomume’s shift from a limited role last season to a major contributor now really shows off his growth and commitment to the game.
David Eziomume’s Rise to Prominence
Originally from Acworth, Georgia, Eziomume has come a long way since his days at North Cobb High School. With running backs coach C.J. Spiller guiding him, he’s sharpened his skills and deepened his understanding of football.
This progress has pushed him up the depth chart. He’s played in all four games for Clemson this season, which is a big leap from the five games he appeared in as a true freshman.
The Impact of Offseason Preparation
Eziomume credits a lot of his recent success to a tough offseason. “I just really took it day-by-day,” he said, stressing how important it was to gain experience and grow in faith and preparation.
That steady approach seems to have paid off. Now, he fits the criteria for his NIL deal with Popeyes—a pretty clear sign of how far he’s come.
Learning from a Legend
Having C.J. Spiller as a coach has been huge for Eziomume. “I love a coach like that,” he said, talking about the value of learning from someone who’s been there before.
Spiller’s mentorship has helped Eziomume pick up on key parts of the game, like pass protection and just reading the field. That kind of guidance can’t really be overstated, can it?
The NIL Partnership with Popeyes
Landing the Popeyes NIL partnership is a big deal for Eziomume. He’s one of ten players nationwide featured in this campaign, which spotlights their journey from backup roles to starting spots.
Clemson fans who are Popeyes Rewards Members can use his promo code (Eziomume12) to help him climb the leaderboard. The player with the most fan participation wins a fully catered tailgate for their supporters during rivalry week in November.
Campaign Details
The Popeyes campaign runs from September 9 to November 8. Fans have plenty of time to get involved and back Eziomume.
This move isn’t just about recognition; it’s a way to bring the Clemson community together and add a little extra excitement to the season.
Celebrating Success
“It’s a blessing, honestly,” Eziomume said, thinking about his journey and the recognition he’s getting. For him, the Popeyes partnership is more than just a sponsorship—it’s a nod to his hard work and progress.
This campaign gives him the chance to connect with fans and maybe even inspire others to chase their own goals with the same grit.
Looking Ahead: Clemson’s Season and Eziomume’s Role
Clemson’s season has been tough, with a 1-3 record so far. Eziomume, though, stays hopeful about what’s ahead.
The postseason might be a long shot, but the coaching staff is working on making improvements. “It’s still going to be the same, but, at the same time, it’s going to be better,” Eziomume said. He’s all about staying motivated, no matter the circumstances.
Team Dynamics and Mentorship
He’s sharing snaps with senior running back Adam Randall and really values what Randall brings to the table. Eziomume called Randall a “wholesome” player, pointing out his versatility and knack for making big plays.
This kind of teamwork and mutual support is making a difference for both of them.
Focus on Improvement
Eziomume isn’t letting up—he’s focused on getting better, both for himself and the team. “I just feel like an element of understanding the game more,” he said, mentioning things like pass protection and overall football knowledge.
That drive to keep learning is going to be crucial as Clemson heads into the bye week, looking to regroup and tackle the rest of the season with a bit more fire.
Conclusion: Winning the One
Head coach Dabo Swinney loves to talk about *winning the one*—whether that’s a practice period, a play, or even just a single week. Eziomume’s really bought into this idea, seeing how much it matters to just focus on what’s right in front of you.
*At this point, I feel like, and I go as a whole, we look too far ahead and we don’t see where we are in the moment,* he admitted. There’s something to be said for keeping your eyes on the present, isn’t there?
For more details on David Eziomume’s journey and his NIL partnership with Popeyes, visit Sports Illustrated.
- Schools Covered
- College Football Articles
- Men's College Basketball Articles
- Men's College Soccer Articles
- Women's College Basketball Articles
- Olympic Athlete Articles
- Men's College Baseball Articles
- College Sports Media Professionals Articles
- Hall of Fame Member Articles
- Former College Player Articles
- Game Previews
