Freshman star C.J. Spiller will remain at Clemson, ending a wild day of rumors that had the talented running back transferring to national champ Florida.
Spiller, whose family lives about a half-hour away from the Gators campus, told other media outlets he was "considering" a switch closer to home. But after meeting with Tigers head coach Tommy Bowden on Tuesday, Spiller thought it best to stay at Clemson.
Throughout the day, Clemson supporters waded through reports that Spiller had already enrolled at Florida and attended classes Monday. Florida coach Urban Meyer hinted about Spiller's situation, saying he couldn't say much but would know more when he returned from the Bowl Championship Series site in Arizona.
The Gators beat Ohio State 41-14 in the championship game on Monday night.
Spiller went to a Tigers team meeting Tuesday night. Clemson's spring semester starts Wednesday.
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| C.J. Spiller says he's not leaving. (US Presswire) |
Spiller, from Lake Butler, Fla., was considered one of the best prep runners in the Sunshine State at Union County High. It seemed inevitable he'd choose one of the state's powers, the nearby Gators, Florida State or Miami. If that wasn't enough, Spiller said this fall Southern California coach Pete Carroll targeted him to replace Heisman Trophy winner Reggie Bush.
But Spiller pulled a surprise and selected Clemson, joining sophomore runner James Davis to form an impressive backfield.
Spiller rushed for 936 yards and 10 touchdowns this season in a secondary role to Davis. The speedy back also had 19 receptions for 210 yards and two TDs, and set the school record with six TD plays of at least 50 yards.
Davis finished with 1,134 yards and 17 touchdowns this year.
