Travis Etienne has had to be patient when it comes to his professional career. Once considered ‘Plan B’, the former Clemson running back was only drafted by the Jaguars after their preferred choice – Kadarius Toney – was selected by The Giants five picks earlier. He was immediately christened a ‘3rd down back’ by Urban Meyer, despite his draft status and stellar collegiate career. And in training camp, he was used as a receiver, frequently lining up in the slot as Jacksonville looked determined to turn him into Toney Mk II.
And then, disaster struck.
In just the second preseason game, Etienne suffered a devastating foot injury. Requiring lisfranc surgery, the rookie’s season was over before it had even begun. It was another bump in the road in a season of adversity for The Jags, who limped to three wins in 2021. Almost the forgotten man, Etienne has been somewhat unfairly branded as one of many mistakes of the Meyer era. But those with short memories are forgetting the devastating skillset that helped Clemson to a National Championship in 2018. And with a new regime in situ at TIAA Bank Stadium, Travis Etienne has the opportunity to show the NFL what he’s capable of this coming season.
College Superstar
Even at a program as talent-laden as The Clemson Tigers have been the last five years, Travis Etienne stood out as someone special. Unlike his NFL career, Etienne made an instant impact in Death Valley; as a freshman he led the team in rushing with 766 yards on 107 carries, with 13 touchdowns. Under Dabo Sweeney, The Tigers were becoming a CFB powerhouse. During Etienne’s time there, Clemson recorded 51 wins, and never won less than ten games in a season. 2018 saw it all come together as the ACC giants went undefeated and won the National Championship, destroying Alabama in the final.
Etienne was a huge part of their success, recording 1,658 yards and 24 touchdowns on the ground. Against The Crimson Tide, the ball carrier hit paydirt twice. Football fans had seen enough; Etienne Mania was in full swing.
As a Junior, Travis developed into a multi-faceted offensive weapon for The Tigers. Still as explosive on the ground, Etienne became dangerous as a receiver too, catching passes out of the backfield. His shifty, quick feet and low center of gravity made him a real threat with the ball in his hands, and Clemson started giving him the ball in space wherever they could. Etienne drew comparisons to the likes of Percy Harvin for his game-changing ability. Everyone expected him to declare for the NFL Draft.
The lure of playing with Trevor Lawrence and giving it one more shot at a Natty proved too much. Etienne returned for his senior year. And despite the Tigers falling short, Etienne had another monster season. Leaving college with 6,107 all-purpose yards and 78 touchdowns, Etienne was considered one of the elite running backs in the 2021 NFL Draft.
A Point To Prove
None of that playmaking ability has gone away. Despite being Meyer’s second choice, The Jaguars may have lucked out – Kadarius Toney had plenty of struggles as a rookie. The Giants have entertained trade offers for him, and selected a carbon copy in Wan’Dale Robinson this year. Travis Etienne may turn out to be the superior draft pick when all is said and done.
Fully healthy, Etienne has looked back to his elusive, ‘human joystick’ self this offseason. Working out with heralded trainer Josh Hicks in Dallas, Etienne displayed his movement skills last week with this video on Twitter:
The work is workin’
(via @3hunnidGuru, @swaggy_t1) pic.twitter.com/mNLbKrlcpG
— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) July 1, 2022
Etienne will be heading to a much healthier environment when he hits training camp later this month. The toxicity that surrounded the franchise under Urban Meyer’s stewardship has been all but washed away. And a wave of optimism is in the air in Duval County. Whilst the Jaguars aren’t where they want to be, they’re convinced they’re finally on the right track.
Quarterback Trevor Lawrence has a lot to prove in 2022. But nobody is better informed as to his running back’s talents. Asked about the return of Etienne to the offense, Lawrence was excited to see an added dimension that his play brings to the offense. If Lawrence & Etienne can replicate the chemistry they cultivated at Clemson, then this unit should take a giant step forward.
Impressing The Boss
What we are yet to learn is how Etienne FITS into the offense. New head coach Doug Pederson was effusive in his praise of the running back during OTA’s, and excited for what he could bring to the team in 2022:
“Gosh, it’s just exciting to get him out here and get him on the grass this whole offseason and really work with him. He’s doing a great job handling a lot of information we’re throwing at the guys and putting him in different spots. We’re just seeing what he can do right now.”
In a division that prioritizes the ground game, The Jaguars will be determined to bring their own version of an effective running attack. James Robinson continues to rehab from the achilles injury suffered at the end of last year. And that means the opportunity is there for Etienne to make the RB1 job his own. Don’t be surprised if the ‘3rd down running back’ puts the NFL on notice this season.