Former Clemson RB Kobe Pace reuniting with familiar face

Former Clemson running back Kobe Pace has committed to his new school.

Pace will be reunited with a familiar face as he has committed to Virginia.

The Cavaliers are coached by former Clemson offensive coordinator and running backs coach Tony Elliott.

Pace spent three seasons at Clemson and was recruited there by Elliott.

He posted his announcement on Instagram with the caption: “How could I not?!”

Elliott left Clemson to become the head coach at Virginia last December.

Pace played in eight games this season while battling injuries. He finished with 30 carries for 77 yards and three touchdowns. He was fifth on the Clemson team in rushing.

Pace released a statement on social media after making the decision to enter the transfer portal earlier this month.

“I want to thank Clemson for giving me a great experience and an opportunity to pursue my dream academically and athletically,” Pace said. “I have decided to enter the transfer portal. This was not an easy decision but I feel it is the best for me and my career.”

Kobe Pace had a breakout season as a sophomore in 2021 for Clemson, finishing with 641 rushing yards and six touchdowns, while averaging more than 6 yards per carry.

He played in 11 games last season, making six starts.

With Pace transferring, Clemson is still in good shape at running back with Will Shipley and Phil Mafah, who led the way for the Tigers on the ground this season.

Transfer portal background information

The NCAA Transfer Portal, which covers every NCAA sport at the Division I, II and III levels, is a private database with names of student-athletes who wish to transfer. It is not accessible to the public.

The process of entering the portal is done through a school’s compliance office. Once a player provides written notification of an intent to transfer, the office enters the player’s name in the database and everything is off and running. The compliance office has 48 hours to comply with the player’s request and that request cannot be refused.

Once a player’s name shows up in the portal, other schools can contact the player. Players can change their minds at any point and withdraw from the portal. However, once a player enters the portal, the current scholarship no longer has to be honored. In other words, if a player enters the portal but decides to stay, the school is not obligated to provide a scholarship anymore.