It’s unfortunately over before it really ever got going in 2021 for former Clemson running back Travis Etienne as the now Jacksonville Jaguars back will miss the entire NFL season after suffering a foot injury Monday night at New Orleans.
Etienne, who was part of four Clemson teams that played in the College Football Playoff, two that appeared in the championship round, and one that won it all, was drafted with the first pick of the second round in this past spring’s NFL draft.
Control Etienne and control the game could have been the motto for Notre Dame in their three most recent meetings with Clemson. Etienne went off for 109 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries in the 2018 Cotton Bowl as Clemson routed the Irish, 30-3.
Early last November it was Notre Dame’s defense having the upper hand against Etienne and Clemson as the star back was held to just 28 yards on 18 rush attempts.
Then in the ACC Championship he went back to his star way as he went off for 124 yards and a touchdown on 10 carries.
I hate seeing any player get hurt but especially a guy who could have easily gone to the draft a year earlier but decided to stay and get his degree instead. I’m not one to tell young athletes what they should do – it’s their bodies, health, and future earnings, but I hate to see his time in the NFL get greeted by an injury like this.
All the best to Etienne in his recovery.
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