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Clemson Football: Travis Etienne returning for senior season

By Shawn Spencer

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 28: Travis Etienne #9 of the Clemson Tigers runs the ball against Jordan Fuller #4 of the Ohio State Buckeyes during the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium on December 28, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 28: Travis Etienne #9 of the Clemson Tigers runs the ball against Jordan Fuller #4 of the Ohio State Buckeyes during the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium on December 28, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images) /
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Clemson football RB Travis Etienne announced that he would be returning for his senior season, to the surprise of many Tiger fans.

In just three seasons, RB Travis Etienne broke the all-time rushing record for the Clemson football program and the career record for touchdowns in the ACC.

Despite all of the success and the fact that he’d likely be a second-to-third round pick, Etienne is coming back for his senior season.

Etienne announced the news on his Twitter Friday afternoon. The deadline for players to enter the 2020 NFL Draft was Friday, but athletes can withdraw before Monday.

https://twitter.com/swaggy_t1/status/1218261866050457601?s=20

Etienne said in his letter to Clemson football fans that he was excited to return and earn his degree and wants to “make you proud” during the 2020 season.

Thoughts:

Etienne returning automatically gives Clemson the best backfield in the nation. He’ll be paired beside Trevor Lawrence for a third time and the two will be motivated to bring the National Championship back home in their final ride together.

Rubbing the Rock’s Jeff Benedict gave an excellent explanation for what Etienne has to gain by returning for his senior season. With Etienne considered the No. 5 overall RB in the 2020 NFL Draft class, he’d be making significantly less than (somewhere between $10 million and $20 million total) if he were taken as the No. 1 overall running back.

As he returns, Etienne will have an opportunity to build his draft stock while also obliterating some records along the way.

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With Etienne back, Clemson will also have one of the deepest running back rooms in the nation. Lyn-J Dixon, as well as sophomores Chez Mellusi and Michel Dukes, will be returning and true-freshmen Demarkcus Bowman and Kobe Pryor could certainly compete for playing time.

The depth in the running back room, as well as the talent at quarterback and wide receiver, should certainly have Clemson considered the favorite as we head into the 2020 season.

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