The NFL Scouting Combine Takes Center Stage
The NFL Scouting Combine is currently in full swing in Indianapolis, offering a tantalizing glimpse into the future stars of the league. This year’s event is particularly notable for the impressive lineup of running backs who will showcase their talents through on-field workouts and drills. Among the standout names are Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty, North Carolina’s Omarion Hampton, and Iowa’s Kaleb Johnson. Another remarkable participant is Georgia’s Trevor Etienne, the younger brother of Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne. The Etienne brothers have both left a significant mark on their respective football journeys, and the stage is set for Trevor to make his own name in the NFL. One key event that will draw considerable attention is the 40-yard dash, where Trevor’s speed will be put to the test against his brother’s previous performance and other top prospects.
A Family Legacy of Speed
Travis Etienne’s journey to the NFL was unique, especially given the extraordinary circumstances of the 2021 draft. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the NFL Scouting Combine was canceled that year, which meant that prospects like Travis were evaluated primarily through their Pro Days. During his Pro Day, Travis ran an impressive 4.45 40-yard dash, placing him among the fastest running backs in the draft. To provide context, his time was just behind a few other standout performances:
- Louisville RB Elijah Mitchell: 4.38
- Duke RB Deon Jackson: 4.41
- Memphis RB Kenneth Gainwell: 4.42
Now, with the combine back in action, Trevor Etienne is scheduled to run the 40-yard dash on Saturday afternoon. Expectations are high, given his lineage, and NFL Draft Buzz projects him to run around a 4.48. While the comparison between the two brothers is inevitable, Trevor’s performance will be a key factor in his draft stock and his potential to follow in Travis’ footsteps.
Trevor Etienne’s Path to the Draft
Trevor Etienne, despite his impressive pedigree, has a slightly different draft trajectory compared to his brother. Heading into the 2023 NFL Draft, NFL.com has graded Trevor as a 6.15 prospect, with the outlook of being a "good backup with the potential to develop into a starter." The NFL Mock Draft Database also projects Trevor as a fifth-rounder before the combine, reflecting a consensus that his talent and potential are valuable but may need further development. Bleacher Report’s NFL Draft big board further ranks Trevor as the 131st overall prospect in this year’s draft. These projections highlight the qualities that scouts and analysts see in Trevor, including his speed, agility, and potential for growth, while also noting areas where he may need to improve.
Travis Etienne’s NFL Journey
Travis Etienne was selected in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, going 25th overall to the Jacksonville Jaguars. His professional career, however, has been marred by injuries, especially during his rookie season. In the preseason of 2021, Travis suffered a season-ending foot injury, which sidelined him for the entire season. Despite this early setback, Travis has shown his resilience and talent over the following three seasons. From 2022 to 2024, he amassed an impressive 2,691 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns, complemented by 132 receptions for 1,046 yards and one touchdown. In the 2024-25 season, Travis faced more injury challenges, limiting his output to 558 yards and two touchdowns on the ground. Despite these hurdles, Travis has become a vital part of the Jaguars’ offense and helped the team reach the playoffs in 2022, though they fell to the Kansas City Chiefs in the divisional round.
High School Roots and Early Promise
The Etienne brothers’ journey to the NFL began in Jennings, Louisiana, where they attended Jennings High School and excelled on the football field. Travis, who was a 4-star running back in the class of 2017, ranked as the No. 17 overall running back in his class. His senior year was nothing short of spectacular, as he rushed for 2,459 yards and 35 touchdowns, leading the Tigers to a national championship in 2018. Trevor, also a 4-star running back, was ranked as the No. 14 overall back in the class of 2022. Over his last two seasons at Jennings High School, Trevor combined for 2,610 yards and 35 touchdowns, demonstrating a maturity and skill level that suggested he, too, could make a significant impact at the next level. Both brothers were highly sought after by college programs, with Travis ultimately choosing Clemson and Trevor signing with Florida before transferring to Georgia in 2024.
College Careers: Two Paths to Excellence
In college, the Etienne brothers each carved out their own niche and contributed significantly to their respective teams. Travis Etienne shone brightly at Clemson, where he was a four-year standout. Over his college career, he accumulated 4,952 rushing yards and 70 touchdowns, while also adding 1,155 receiving yards and 8 receiving touchdowns. His versatility and speed made him a formidable opponent, and he played a crucial role in Clemson’s national championship victory in 2018. Trevor Etienne, on the other hand, started his college career at Florida, where he played for two seasons before transferring to Georgia for his 2024 campaign. At Florida, Trevor showed flashes of brilliance, and his move to Georgia allowed him to further refine his skills. In total, Trevor recorded 2,081 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns, along with 432 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown during his college tenure. While their paths differed, both brothers demonstrated the qualities that make them top prospects for the NFL.
A Legacy Continues in Indianapolis
As the NFL Scouting Combine unfolds, the spotlight will undoubtedly shine on Trevor Etienne. His performance in the 40-yard dash and other drills will be a critical component in shaping his draft prospects. The comparison to his older brother, Travis, is both a blessing and a challenge, as it sets high expectations while also providing a benchmark of excellence. The Etienne brothers’ journey from Jennings, Louisiana, to the NFL is a testament to their hard work, talent, and determination. Trevor’s potential to develop into a standout NFL player, as projected by various draft experts, is rooted in his impressive college stats and the DNA of speed and agility that runs in the family. The week in Indianapolis will be a pivotal moment for Trevor, as he aims to cement his place among the league’s future stars.
