Former Clemson RB Lyn-J Dixon has found his new home

CLEMSON — Former Clemson running back Lyn-J Dixon has found his new home.

Dixon announced on Instagram Thursday afternoon that he will continue his college football career at West Virginia University.

The Georgia native entered the transfer portal in September after appearing in three games for the Tigers this season.

Dixon rushed for 1,468 yards during his Clemson career while averaging 6.4 yards per carry. That number ranks second in school history behind only Travis Etienne.

“Thank you coach Swinney for accepting me and giving me an opportunity to be a part of your program here at Clemson University,” Dixon said as part of a statement. “I made the decision to transfer to continue to move forward in my career and better my opportunities for my future. … I am thankful to announce that I will continue my college and athletic career at West Virginia University!”

Lyn-J Dixon was a part of a crowded backfield early in the year that included talented underclassmen Kobe Pace and Will Shipley. Dixon and first-year running backs coach CJ Spiller were not on the same page, which played a role in his decision to transfer.

“He just needs to grow up,” Swinney said days before Dixon left the program. “It’s that simple. He needs to be a team player. Just grow up. He’s a very good player, obviously he’s very talented, we’ve seen that. But just need him to stay out of Spiller’s dog house, that’s really it.”

In addition to Lyn-J Dixon, the Tigers have had three other players enter the transfer portal mid-season.

Running back Michel Dukes, offensive lineman Paul Tchio and safety Joseph Charleston joined Dixon in leaving the program during the 2021 season.

Of those, Dukes has committed to USF to play for former Clemson co-offensive coordinator Jeff Scott. Charleston and Tchio have yet to announce where they are transferring to.

Between injuries and transfers it has been an incredibly difficult year for the Tigers. Clemson is 8-3 entering Saturday’s rivalry game at South Carolina, despite having more than a dozen players who started the season on the roster that are no longer available.