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2020 NFL Draft: Travis Etienne returning to Clemson

By Matthew McFatridge

COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 30: Travis Etienne #9 of the Clemson Tigers waits for a kick return in front of the fans of the South Carolina Gamecocks during their game at Williams-Brice Stadium on November 30, 2019 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 30: Travis Etienne #9 of the Clemson Tigers waits for a kick return in front of the fans of the South Carolina Gamecocks during their game at Williams-Brice Stadium on November 30, 2019 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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Following a sensational season, junior running back Travis Etienne has decided to bypass the 2020 NFL Draft and return to Clemson for his senior year.

Travis Etienne came into 2019 looking to help carry Clemson to another National Championship. Another year older, and coming off a great 2018 campaign, there were some early season grumbling that he could be in the Heisman Trophy race come seasons end. Today was the deadline to declare for the 2020 NFL Draft, and Etienne has made of his decision.

Coming off a 1,600 yard rushing season with 24 touchdowns in 2018, Etienne continued to produce for Clemson in 2019, putting up over 1,600 yards again and rushing for 19 touchdowns, while also getting nearly 500 yards receiving with four additional touchdowns receiving.

That’s why the news of Etienne bypassing the 2020 NFL Draft coming on Friday came as a shock to many. After two productive seasons, most running backs would go pro to get money while they can. With the amount of hits running backs take over the course of their careers, the earlier they can cash in on their talents, they more they’ll likely make.

While it may make sense to some to go pro early, it didn’t for Etienne however. Etienne posted his announcement on Twitter, stating he has dreams of being in the NFL, but that his dreams at Clemson aren’t done yet.

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Etienne was almost a lock to go in the first two rounds of the 2020 NFL Draft, but with another year in college, he’ll likely have a chance to be the top running back off the board, with Oklahoma State’s Chuba Hubbard as his main competitor for that spot. Etienne will look to make his third straight National Championship game berth with the Clemson Tigers in 2020.

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