ATLANTIC COAST CONFERENCE FOOTBALL KICKOFF

July 25, 2024

Phil Mafah

Clemson Tigers

Press Conference

THE MODERATOR: Questions for Phil.

Q. You had a standout bowl performance, set a school bowl record. How hungry does that make you for this season?

PHIL MAFAH: It definitely makes me look forward to the season, not only just individually but as a team, just seeing the way that we finished definitely gave us a lot of confidence for this year and going into the off-season and our preparation.

I definitely feel like that game has helped our team moral be boosted, allowed the guys to know we can win, we can be successful.

Q. You and Shipley were more of a running back by committee last year. Now that you're the main guy, what changes in your mindset?

PHIL MAFAH: Really nothing changes in my mindset. One thing I have been focusing on this season, this off-season, is my longevity, just to be able to play as many games as I can this year, taking care of my body, my nutrition, doing what I need to do on the daily in order to be successful.

Q. That relationship that you have with Cade and how that's evolved, having success on the offensive side.

PHIL MAFAH: My relationship with Cade has gotten great. We just took a trip down to Sea Island, spent a great time together, worshipping, fellowship. He's my brother in Christ. I love that dude. He cares about this team so much. He's taken a great step this off-season just to get closer to the guys, help to bring unity within the offense and defense.

He stepped up as a vocal leader, as a field general out there. I'm really proud of him. I can see the offense doing really well this year because of the guys that came back. We got a lot of guys back. Got a new center. It's his fourth year, so he knows what to do.

I'm pretty confident in our offense.

Q. On a lighter note, you're one for two in your passing. Do you like throwing the ball? Do you practice passing off the field?

PHIL MAFAH: Yeah, I really do like throwing the ball. But a lot of people really don't like to catch the ball from me since I'm left-handed. I mean, whenever coach needs me to throw the ball, I'm always willing because I think it's awesome.