Senior out of Clemson, just turned 22; in 2020 got to 1500 yards and 16 TD on 12 games, more than a third of the yards from 48 caught passes (third receiver on his team). Clearly we have a serious RB here who is a prime candidate for the NFL.
Let's see his College team, whether he is a gap or zone runner, whether he can break a tackle, whether he can run a route, how his pass blocking is and how he is off the ball (and possibly even off the field). I choose a game against Pitt; the game wasn't particularly interesting or competitive but they are defensively a tough opponent.
(Etienne is #9) Good run between the tackles. The line gives him essentially the first 3 yards for free (great line), but after that he manages to add another 5 yards by himself. Good play.
This is a weird play. Pre snap it looks that if Etienne needs to do pass blocking then he probably needs to catch the Mike linebacker, but after the snap the RT/RG go left, the TE/LT go right, and Lawrence suddenly has a blitz in his face (but manages to get the pass to the receiver for a TD). Although the play isn't particularly telling, it mostly shows to me that if you focus on highlights, you won't see any of this.
Play fake: Etienne looks again completely lost. I have obviously no idea what his assignment was, but while he has his back turned to the line, the Pitt #24 LB has a free lane to harrass Lawrence (who again, impressively fires a rocket under pressure).
Rush, agan fantastic O-line work who give him a free 3 yards, but then he breaks 3 tackles and almost gets the first down (on a 2nd and 13).
Pass protection again: Etienne gets half a block in but not nearly enough and the #24 LB again gets to Lawrence (together with 2 other defenders).
Etienne runs a route, bumps into the defender and gets zero separation (and Lawrence gets squashed).
Here a much better block, allowing Lawrence to get the pass off in time.
More or less a dump-off; but the kid is certainly fast and picks up the first down and more.
I see a good rusher (helped by a fantastic O-line); but I also see a kid who is maybe more of a liability than a strength in the passing game. In Jacksonville, he will have fierce competition from Robinson, especially in the passing game.
From the Clemson - Ohio State game:
Not Etienne's best look, as he gets stuffed early and before the line of scrimmage. Great look of the LB though who read the play perfectly.
We look at the Miami @ Clemson game, Etienne (#6) went 17/149/2 + 8/73:
[4:10] bad block
[5:05] good run outside
I'm still conflicted. Good runner, good receiver, bad blocker who will get his QB killed.
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