MOBILE, Ala. — Trevor Etienne is off and running at the Senior Bowl, ready to realize a dream.
The former Georgia and Florida tailback was one of the standout performers on the first day of practice at Hancock Whitney Stadium on the campus of the University of South Alabama. The Senior Bowl game takes place at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday (TV: NFL Network).
Etienne, one of five outgoing Georgia players on the designated “American” team selected to play in the Senior Bowl, explained to DawgNation in an exclusive interview why he chose to turn pro rather than return for another season with the Bulldogs.
“I just felt like right now, I’m not in a bad spot, and I’m ready to compete at the highest level,” said Etienne, who had originally told teammates and indicated to the Georgia coaching staff that he intended to return for another season with the Bulldogs.
Etienne was key to Georgia winning the SEC Championship this season, coming up big in the clutch in both wins over Texas.
Etienne rushed for 87 yards and three touchdowns on 19 carries — along with catching three passes for 18 years — in Georgia’s 30-15 win in Austin over then-No. 1 and undefeated Texas.
In the SEC title game, it was Etienne coming up big again, carrying 16 times for 94 yards and two touchdowns and catching five passes for 28 yards.
Etienne said Coach Kirby Smart helped him lift his game to another level last season.
“Work ethic — Coach Smart teaches you to work on everything,” Etienne said, “and he pushes you to be the best you can be, and I’m very thankful for him.”
Etienne admitted he went back and forth with his decision, but the NFL opportunity simply seemed like the right move to make after playing three years of SEC football, the first two at Florida, and last season with the Bulldogs.
“I talked with my family and we felt like the best decision for me was to move forward and take this step,” Etienne said after signing autographs for fans following Tuesday’s practice.
“It was a challenging decision, but it’s always been my dream to be competing at the highest level.”
Etienne’s oldest brother, Travis, is an NFL running back with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Trevor Etienne enters the NFL Draft process rated as a second-day pick, expected to be selected in the second or third round, depending on his NFL combine performance and medical evaluation.
Etienne dealt with shoulder and rib injuries that led to him missing four games at Georgia last season.
That sort of wear and tear on a running back can add up, especially for a back Etienne’s size (5-foot-8 1/2, 202 pounds).
NFL teams have seen enough from Etienne to know he can play at the next level, according to Senior Bowl executive director Jim Nagy, a former NFL scout and recent interviewee for the New York Jets general manager position.
“I think he’s one of the most dynamic running backs in this year’s draft,” Nagy said. “He’s a true three-down back, he’s really good in the pass game.”
Nagy had to carve out an extra spot for Etienne, who waited until the last moment before declaring for the NFL Draft.
“We didn’t think he was coming out,” Nagy said. “We have really close communication with the Georgia staff, and he was a guy they thought they were getting back.”
Etienne weighed his options, and felt like he had shown his skills sufficiently, saying that if he came back and played another year, “What could the NFL turn the tape on and see that I haven’t do over the past three years?”
It’s a fair question.
“So,” Etienne said, “I’m coming down here and competing and trying to be the best player I can be.
“I”m thankful for my time at Georgia, and thankful for my time at Florida, and now I’m ready to move forward into the next chapter in my life.”
