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Etienne trains during Thursday’s Pro Day. (Photo courtesy of Clemson Athletics)
Travis EtienneEtienne’s trademark smile was evident during the Clemson Pro Day on Thursday for NFL coaches, scouts and executives, and more than once Etienne gave that smile to Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin.
Tomlin was the only NFL coach present, and Etienne later told the media that he had conversations with offensive coordinator Matt Canada and Tomlin and Steeler. Etienne put on a show for the NFL, running an unofficial 4.40 in the 40-yard run. He also apparently weighed 15 pounds more than he played last season, weighing 215.
“199 in the league, you really won’t thrive in the running back position, you really won’t be able to play in that position for long. I definitely wanted to leave my body right, but do it the right way, ”said Etienne during his availability in the media. “I have a meal plan. I have been training every day from Monday to Saturday with speed training in the morning and weight lifting in the afternoon. I have been doing this since the beginning of January and it really got me to this point. ”
Etienne was twice a consensus All-American, twice ACC Player of the Year and national champion in 2018 at Clemson. He ran for 4,952 yards in his career and 70 touchdowns, while scoring 102 receptions for 1,155 yards and eight more points. Etienne is the all-time leader of the NCAA in total games with a touchdown at 46.
Versatile Etienne managed 102 passes for 1,155 yards and eight touchdowns in his career. He was back in the kickoffs for most of his career and added punt returns last season.
“I am one of the best players in the draft. I am able to do everything,” said Etienne. “I just own a lot of things that are from God – given that a lot of guys don’t.”
He also showed his strength with 18 225-pound reps on the bench press, adding to that a 33.5-inch vertical.
However, he knows that his biggest improvement in recent seasons has been his ability to catch the ball off the field.
“I have to give a lot of credit to Amari Rodgers. He really challenged me to get into the jars (machine) after each workout for 30-45 minutes. And we trained to catch tennis balls too every day after training, ”said Etienne. “During the pandemic, I was left with Trevor Lawrence out here and picked up a bunch of balls. “
Another possible applicant for Etienne’s services is the Arizona Cardinals, the home of former Tigers Nuk Hopkins and Isaiah Simmons. Cardinal Bruce Keim’s GM was present on Thursday.
“I just thought it would be a great scenario there. Nuk (DeAndre Hopkins) – JJ Watt just arrived. I feel like I could really go out there and be a great asset to the team. Just putting it in perspective, if it happens, it happened. If not, it is not, ”said Etienne. “I really don’t care where I’m going at the moment. I look forward to seeing where I am going. I’m ready to go out and give it my all. “
Your family may have another shirt color in mind.
“My grandfather, every time I go home, he tells me that he imagines me playing for the Saints,” Etienne admitted. “He’s been a huge fan all his life.”
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