Gators RB Trevor Etienne Earns Paul Hornung Award Watch List Honors
Versatility is the name of the game, especially at the modern-day running back position.
On Thursday, Florida Gators running back Trevor Etienne earned preseason recognition as one of the most versatile players in the country. The Jennings (La.) native landed on the Paul Hornung Award Watch List, presented annually to the most versatile athlete in college football.
The Freshman All-SEC selection in 2022 showcased himself as a creative, elusive runner upon arrival in Gainesville, presenting the dynamic big-play ability to support the Gators' run-heavy offense alongside backfield mate Montrell Johnson.
Producing 785 yards from scrimmage and six total touchdowns on 127 touches in year one, the sophomore back holds lofty expectations for his growth in 2023. It will likely come in the form of an expanded role.
Not only is he expected to reassume his spot on special teams as a kick returner — where he accumulated 421 yards on 17 attempts with a long of 48 yards — but he'll likely take on responsibilities as a pass protector and receiver out of the backfield as well.
As a result, he's in line to generate another productive season in a more versatile capacity. The heightened usage beyond merely toting the rock will, in turn, aid his draft stock in two to three years, as versatility is necessary for modern NFL backs, according to his brother Travis Etienne Jr. of the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Etienne joins Ricky Pearsall (Maxwell Award), Jeremy Crawshaw (Ray Guy Award) and Derek Wingo (Weurfel Trophy) as Florida players to grace preseason watch lists this week.
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