Clemson Tigers NFL Pro Day 2025: Recap and Pics
- Charles Mays
- Mar 13
- 6 min read
Today, the Clemson Tigers Football program held their annual NFL Pro Day at the Clemson Football Poe Indoor Facility, bringing in representatives from all 32 NFL teams, including Pittsburgh Steelers' head coach Mike Tomlin. NFL scouts closely watched Clemson’s top draft-eligible players as they showcased their skills, speed, and strength, hoping to leave lasting impressions before the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft on April 24-26. The anticipation was high as these athletes aimed to prove they're ready for the next level and hopeful to hear their names called during the draft weekend.
Below, are the results from today's testing. Phil Mafah and Marcus Tate, did not test due to injury recovery. I will bring you the details on that shortly. Below, you can see the results that were provided by the Clemson Football Strength and Conditioning Staff. It also includes the NFL Combine numbers for those that did not participate in today's testing. For video of each participants interviews in their entirety, go to Clemson Sports Information YouTube, by clicking here.
Following testing, interviews took place inside the Smart Family Center, where media members posed numerous questions to the eager and well-prepared players. Several topics stood out, ranging from updates on last season's injuries to the stress associated with the draft process.
Phil Mafah
Phil Mafah opened by providing an update on his health and detailing the procedure he underwent following the 2024 season. He revealed that he had a posterior repair of his left labrum on December 31. "It's going really well," he said. "I'm starting to get back into catching and running, trying to run full speed."
Highlighting the toughness he showed throughout the season, Mafah shared that the injury occurred during the final play of the Appalachian State game on September 7, 2024. However, he wasn’t fully aware of it until two weeks later against NC State.
Mafah aims to enter the league as a complete running back, showcasing his ability to be a reliable three-down player who can run effectively, catch passes out of the backfield, and create explosive plays. He is committed to giving maximum effort.
He did not participate in today’s drills but announced that his personal pro-day workout is scheduled for April 8.
Marcus Tate
At the beginning of the interview, Marcus Tate was asked about his injury concerns from last season. He explained that he had injured his MCL and MPFL, requiring reconstruction surgeries on both ligaments. The injury occurred during the first game of the season against Georgia, but he expects to be fully ready by training camp.
When asked if he was immediately aware of his injury during the Georgia game, Tate responded:
"I knew I injured it against Georgia. I wanted to play for my guys. I wanted to finish the season. I feel like I give us the best chance to be successful on the field. I wanted to do whatever I could to be on the field with my guys."
Tate demonstrated impressive selflessness and prioritized the team's success, a trait highly valued by NFL coaches and general managers.
Additionally, Tate discussed the most underrated aspect of offensive linemen, highlighting their athleticism. Considering the complexity and physical demands of their role, he emphasized how they must block various types of players and adapt to different schemes on each play.
Payton Page
Payton Page expressed confidence in his performance, noting that he felt great about how things went today. When asked if the draft and combine process had been stressful, Page replied, "People say it’s stressful, but I’m taking this all in as a blessing. This is fun for me." He admitted being surprised by how many people warned him it would be a dreadful experience, emphasizing that two months into the process, he is loving it.
When asked where he will be on draft day, Page smiled and said he will be watching in Greensboro, North Carolina. "Back in my city," he said, surrounded by family and friends. He also made it clear that wherever he lands, he will arrive ready to work, promising emphatically that no one will outwork him.
R.J. Mickens
R.J. Mickens has been one of the most "doubted and slept on" players, but that skepticism only fueled his determination to work even harder.
"I always believed in myself, and to be honest, a lot of people didn’t believe in me," Mickens said.
He consistently "showed up to work every day" for the Tigers, appearing in 60 career games at Clemson and amassing an impressive 2,174 career snaps. Beyond his performance on the field, Mickens is deeply committed to mastering the intricacies of the game.
When asked what sets him apart from other safeties in this draft class, Mickens confidently highlighted his thorough preparation.
"I feel like it’s my preparation, just the way I break down film, the way I study. Just the way I go through my weeks in the season and offseason."
Mickens went on to humbly assert that he believes he is the "smartest safety in this draft class," and he is willing to stand by that claim.
Barrett Carter
Discussing how his versatile skill set would translate to the NFL, Barrett Carter emphasized his readiness to contribute immediately. He spoke about entering the league determined to "add value from day one" and get on the field as early as possible.
Carter’s confidence, leadership, and competitive spirit set him apart. Coming into the NFL as a rookie does not faze or deter him from accomplishing his goals. He is a winner and a leader whose athleticism and relentless motor make him an exciting prospect at linebacker. It will be interesting to see how his career unfolds at the next level.
When Carter was asked about choosing to run the 40-yard dash at Clemson’s Pro Day instead of the NFL Combine, he explained, "I just talked to my agent, and it was something that he decided to just save for Pro Day." Reflecting on his results, Carter confidently added, "After hearing what I ran today, I’m good with that. The tape speaks for itself. I think I can move pretty well, and if you turn on the film, you can see my speed. But I’m definitely happy with what I ran today."
Jake Briningstool
Jake Briningstool was asked about having Cade Klubnik throw for him during drills, and he responded, "Cade is a great quarterback, great player. We had a lot of reps together, so it was cool to be back in our environment." He also mentioned how it was a good opportunity for Klubnik, as his time is next year, and today gave him a feel for what is to come.
Briningstool has leaned on and sought advice from former Tiger teammate Davis Allen, a tight end for the Los Angeles Rams who was drafted in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
As other players were asked about mock drafts and listening to outside noise, Briningstool said he does not pay attention to that.
"I feel like it’s all kind of personal opinions, but the decision-makers definitely know what I can do and what the guys out here also can do. So I’m looking forward to it."
What is Briningstool’s pitch to NFL teams wondering why they should draft him?
"Yeah, well, I think first of all, I’m a competitor. I’m gonna compete in everything that I do. Secondly, I’m a winner. Somebody that, you know, wants to do everything in a winning aspect. You know, that’s not just on the field, that’s off the field as well. Thirdly, I’m an elite pass catcher. Somebody that can stretch the field vertically and catch the ball pretty well."
Conclusion: Clemson Tigers NFL Pro Day
With Clemson’s Pro Day in the books, these six Tigers showcased their talent, determination, and readiness for the next level. From Phil Mafah’s resilience in overcoming injury to Payton Page’s unshakable confidence, and R.J. Mickens’ relentless work ethic to Barrett Carter’s leadership, each player left a strong impression. Marcus Tate’s toughness and Jake Briningstool’s competitive edge further emphasized why Clemson continues to produce high-caliber NFL prospects. As the draft approaches, all eyes will be on where these players land and how they make their mark at the next level.
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