The Gator Nation got some of the worst news possible on Thursday when sophomore running back [autotag]Trevor Etienne[/autotag] announced via Instagram that he is entering the NCAA transfer portal.
The departure of the second-year standout represents the most devastating departure from the program so far after a third-straight losing season in Gainesville. Hopes were high that he would return to the Swamp but doubts were abound as well.
The 5-foot-9-inch, 205-pound back from Jennings, Louisiana, rushed 249 times for 1,472 yards overall, averaging 5.9 yards per attempt and 14 touchdowns; he also caught 30 receptions for 238 yards and a score.
Etienne finished second on the team in rushing yards with 719 in 2022 and 753 in 2023. He also averaged 24.8 yards per attempt over 26 kickoff returns. Suffice it to say, Etienne has been a bright spot on the offensive side of the ball and will leave a massive hole talent-wise on the roster.
“Trevor is one of our best,” head coach Billy Napier noted following the LSU game. “He’s not only one of the best competitors and players that we have, but he’s also one of the better young men in our program.
“His leadership, his work habits, the way he treats people, I mean he’s a class act. He’s been raised the right way. And he’s an elite competitor.”
Perhaps the inevitable return of Montrell Johnson — who shared touches with him in the backfield and led the team the last two years in rushing yards — convinced Etienne to seek greener pastures. Nonetheless, Napier and Co. have their work cut out this offseason building a team that can crack the .500 mark.
Follow us @GatorsWire on Twitter and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.