Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who played with Etienne three seasons at Clemson and the past three with the Jaguars, called Etienne “a dynamic playmaker.”
“It’s been great seeing everything he can do with the ball,” Lawrence said. “I’ve seen it for a long time and I think people around the league have seen it. At times, it has been used in different ways but this is a great opportunity to really maximize what he’s good at.
“He’s good at a few different things, but just getting the ball in his hands: That can be run game, pass game, whatever it is. He’s hard to tackle once he get the ball and he’s great in space. To see him continue to build on those is going to be fun.”
Etienne, the No. 25 overall selection in the 2021 NFL Draft, missed his rookie season with a lisfranc injury before rushing for 1,125 yards and five touchdowns in 2022 while emerging as a starter six games into that season.
He then rushed for 1,008 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2023 before rushing for 558 yards and two touchdowns in 2024.
“I feel great going into the season with all the knowledge that I’ve gained in previous years, going through highs and lows – and knowing what to expect,” Etienne said. “I can handle so much more now. I know what to expect.
“I will say this is the most I’ve been ready, the most excited and the most anticipation I’ve had going into a season – especially after last season, getting that taste out of my mouth. I’m going into my fifth year, the last year on my deal. I know what’s at stake.
“I’m just going to rely on the work I put in to propel me through the season.”