Travis Etienne, Clemson’s all-time leading rusher, returning for senior season
Clemson’s all-time leading rusher will have one more season to add to his record.
Tigers running back Travis Etienne announced Friday that he is returning to school for his senior season rather than entering the NFL Draft.
“I have long dreamed of competing at the highest level and getting the chance to compete in the NFL,” he shared via social media. “But I’m not done dreaming here at Clemson either, which is why I’m announcing that I’ll be returning for my senior season. I look forward to earning my degree from this great university and continuing to fight with my brothers on the team to make you proud during the 2020 season.”
The junior running back is already arguably the best running back in school history as he broke the career rushing record in the national championship game against LSU and now has 4,038 yards over three seasons.
Etienne rushed for 1,614 yards and 19 touchdowns during the 2019 season while averaging 7.8 yards per carry. He also had his best year as a receiver out of the backfield, finishing third on Clemson’s team in receptions with 37 for 432 yards and four touchdowns.
“We’re just super excited about Travis’ decision to come back. Was really pumped when he called,” Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said. “He just said he wants to be an example to his family and he wants to have his senior year. And he wants to basically leave no doubt with his legacy and what he wants to achieve at the next level.”
With Etienne back, Clemson has plenty of talent at running back. Sophomore Lyn-J Dixon has proven that he can help the Tigers. And Clemson also returns freshmen Chez Mellusi and Michel Dukes. The Tigers also signed a pair of running backs in this class in five-star Demarkcus Bowman and three-star Kobe Pryor.
Clemson leading receiver Tee Higgins announced Wednesday that he is entering the NFL draft rather than returning to school for his final season. Higgins caught 59 passes during the 2019 season, leading the Tigers with 1,167 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns. He also scored on a touchdown run, finding the end zone from 36 yards out on a reverse during the national title game.
Clemson junior linebacker Isaiah Simmons has already suggested he’ll turn pro. The Tigers are still waiting on a decision from junior cornerback A.J. Terrell.
The deadline for underclassmen to declare for the NFL Draft was Friday.
This story was originally published January 17, 2020 at 3:05 PM.
