Travis Etienne: "I definitely feel like I have gotten better"

Etienne says his pass protection has improved dramatically

by Eric Jackson - Correspondent - Wed Aug 22 14:00:16 GMT-04:00 2018

CLEMSON - Sophomore Travis Etienne arrived at Clemson his freshman year as an underrated running back who came from a small town in Louisiana. Fast forward a year later and he is now one of the most popular and most talked about players on this Clemson team.

Etienne admits that he did not know much as a freshman, but he has worked hard to improve his game to become a better all-around player.

“(The difference between this year and last year) is just the knowledge of the game,” Etienne said. “Knowing what to do and when to do it and why I am doing it. I definitely feel like I have gotten better.”

Etienne exploded onto the scene last year, making huge run plays left and right for the Clemson offense, most notably his 81-yard touchdown run against Louisville. Even with his huge bursts of speed, the star running back struggled with pass protection last year but feels he has improved on that area of his game, as well as other areas.

“Last year I didn’t do well blocking. I feel a lot more comfortable this year,” Etienne said. “Last year it was horrible for me not knowing what to do (in pass protection), but this year I have the understanding of what to do and where to be.”

The running back group is always willing to help each other when one needs to improve their game. Adam Choice, Tavien Feaster and Darien Rencher have all helped Etienne improve his game.

“They helped me a lot and have really helped me get to where I am right now by just taking me off to the side and telling me what I need to do. I give thanks to them,” Etienne said.

Unlike last year, Etienne’s explosiveness and running ability will not surprise any teams. Opponents know to plan for his speed, so Etienne will have to make adjustments to maintain his game-changing ability.

“Every practice, just going in with the mindset to give it my best and just being the best player, I can be,” Etienne said. “I just have to go out there and give it all I got and so that way I will be ready (for a game).”

Etienne is considered a dark horse for the Heisman this year, and in order to do that he will have to continue his remarkable play. Don’t expect for this sophomore to have any type of slump.