Travis Etienne - This Tiger is 2021 Draft's RB2

By: Hussam Patel

Juice's Top Running Backs Series

Travis Etienne is one hell of a running back. Clemson’s all-time leading rusher was projected to declare for the 2020 NFL Draft, but instead opted to come back for his senior year to improve his craft, which he decidedly accomplished. There were minor concerns about his pass protection issues, and he improved upon this; he got much better at protecting Trevor Lawrence and DJ Uiagalelei. Etienne is a highly explosive, well-balanced, big-time play-maker adding value every time he’s on the field.  

Clemon's Travis Etienne is the clear-cut RB1 in the 2021 class — all the dynamism and forced missed tackle ability needed to perform above expectation in the NFL.pic.twitter.com/HJtmyWQi40

— Austin Gayle (@PFF_AustinGayle) May 28, 2020

What makes Etienne so dynamic? He has a low center of gravity and bounces off tackles to gain more yards. He can also turn on the jets to accelerate and beat linebackers in the middle of the field, he uses his vision to creatively find gaps and run routes, and he has elite lateral movement to execute cuts and counters. There is no one quite like him; he’s incredibly elusive, agile, and explosive. Those traits are always on display when his teams needs to move the sticks.

#Clemson RB Travis Etienne is one of the most explosive weapons in the country, but it’s not only as a rusher. He’s become a consistent receiving threat in his own way.

Here’s a great example.

□Volume: ⬆️□□ pic.twitter.com/nC0hah8rNc

— Jordan Reid (@Jordan_Reid) January 17, 2020

It’s easy to see his speed jump out on the screen, but what goes unnoticed is his body adapting to angles on a dime and cutting away from defenders. He squares his shoulders and loosens his hips to balance his core and finish the play.  He makes good linebackers look lost, and routinely puts them on skates in the passing game. Against the University of Miami and Wake Forest, he caught numerous screen passes behind the LOS and weaved his way for easy 10-15 yard gains. 

Been hearing that Travis Etienne isn't elusive....
I'm just going to leave this here pic.twitter.com/QXz6JwtyNi

— Alex Barnett (@CheckTDown) November 10, 2020

Etienne did have some issues in Pass Protection in 2019, but he got better at picking up blitzers in 2020. However, college linemen and NFL linemen are completely different. He’ll need to learn how to properly identify which blitzers are coming free and protect his QB. Also, Etienne might not see a lot of playing time in the beginning of the season as his workload at Clemson was that of a traditional three-down running back. He would pair up in a RB Committee to freshen up his legs and not get worn down.