Daniel Jeremiah continues to study the main stars of the upcoming student season. Next in line is the best running back in NCAA, one of Clemson’s leaders Travis Etienne.
The advantage of working on such materials is that you can evaluate young players, while still keeping in mind those who were selected for the draft. In a previous article, it was argued that Ja'marr Chase from LSU is potentially stronger than any of the receivers selected in the 2020 draft. The same idea is true in the case of Travis Etienne: he is more talented than any of the earlybacks who joined the NFL clubs this spring. Twice in a row he was recognized as the Player of the Year at the ACC conference, and the player’s decision to stay in college for another season surprised many.
Height and weight. 178 cm, 95 kg
Statistics for the 2019 season. 207 takeaways at 1,614 yards (7.8 yards on average), 19 touchdowns at takeaway, 37 receptions at 432 yards (11.7 yards on average), 4 touchdowns at reception, 128 yards on kick-off returns
Viewed matches. Florida State (October 12), South Carolina (November 30), Virginia (December 7)
Read Also: Scouting With Jeremiah : Devonta Smith
What did you like. Etienne is best described in three words: explosive, tough, instinctive. He perfectly sees the field and demonstrates his ability, due to his physical power, to pass the defenders and lose the grabs. At the joints, Travis perfectly maintains balance, it is very difficult to knock down.
In a pass game, it is more often used on screen combinations, however, if necessary, it can also run some routes. In the open, Etienne is simply magnificent. He has excellent speed and often makes defenders miss when trying to capture.
Read Also : Scouting With Jeremiah : Kyle Pitts
What should be added? First of all, Etienne has potential for growth as a blocker in a pass attack. He quickly identifies the source of the threat for the quarterback, but the block technique fails him. Often he makes an extra lunge or takes a low stance, after which the defender easily replayes it. These problems will be solved in the process of working on training and gaining gaming experience. Also, difficulties arise in him in the process of tracking the ball over his shoulder, although Travis’s hands work great when fishing.
The main conclusion. Explosive players are always in demand in any NFL Offense. There is always a risk of a fine, individual errors or incorrect play-calling, which jeopardizes the continuation of the drive. Players such as Etienne are valuable in that they can score a significant number of yards or even bring a touchdown from anywhere in the field. This is a dynamic playmaker with significant growth potential.
With whom can it be compared? In the games I watched, I saw a lot from Alvin Kamara. Running back Saints works better on routes, but here Etienne has potential for growth. Both players can be called natural running, they work naturally. Kamara does not need to touch the ball twenty-five times per game in order to influence it. He is now one of the most effective NFL offensive players. Travis Etienne can reach the same level.
