Tiger Cubs 2017: Travis Etienne Jr.
With fall camp on the horizon, I wanted to take one last look at Clemson’s 2017 signees. A few of these true freshman may push for playing time this season. Today’s edition features running back, Travis Etienne Jr.
The No. 9 jersey will be staying in the running back room for at least three more years as Travis Etienne Jr. will be sporting it for the Tigers. At 5-foot-11, 210 pounds, Etienne is long striding, explosive back capable of taking it to the house at any moment.
Recruitment:
Clemson joined the party late in Etienne’s recruitment, offering him less than a month before National Signing Day. Prior to receiving an offer from Clemson, in-state LSU was perceived as the leader in his recruitment. Also worth noting, Etienne was briefly committed to Texas A&M during the summer leading up to his senior season.
Despite all of the ground that LSU and A&M had on Clemson, running backs coach, Tony Elliott was able to lure Etienne to the Tigers. In his commitment video Etienne referred to Clemson as “the real Death Valley”, which didn’t go over too well with people in and around LSU.
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Chances at playing time:
While Etienne has the potential to be an impact player for the Tigers down the road, his chances at playing as a true freshman are slim. With the depth and talent that Clemson already has at running back, it will be difficult for Etienne to earn his way onto the field. The Tigers have three backs in CJ Fuller, Adam Choice and Tavien Feaster who can legitimately start for them in 2017.
Expectations in year one:
While nothing is out of the realm of possibilities, I expect Etienne Jr. to redshirt in 2017. As previously referred too, Clemson’s depth at running back will leave no carries for Etienne. There would be no point in burning a year of Etienne’s eligibility if he is sitting on the sidelines. The only way I can see Clemson electing not to redshirt Etienne is if he plays an important role on special teams.
Next: Will designed QB runs remain a staple of Clemson's offense post-Deshaun Watson