New Florida commit RB Trevor Etienne looks to be game-ready

Billy Napier and the Florida Gators got big news Saturday when four-star running back Trevor Etienne announced his decision. It came down to Clemson, Florida, and LSU for the star out of Jennings, La., and the connection with Napier paid off.

The 5-foot-8, 219-pound four-star checks in at No. 290 in the On3 Consensus rankings, and the Gators are getting a talented playmaker.

“Trevor is an explosive running back who will be game-ready,” Jennings head coach Ryan Phelps told On3. “Trevor is physical, he is strong, he runs behind his pads, and he will be a three-down back.

“He has the hands, the power, and the ability to play now. You will not find a running back that runs with the toughness Trevor runs with. He makes quick cuts, he runs hard, and he can do it all.”

Etienne rushed for 2,005 yards as a senior. He scored a total of 37 touchdowns and eight of those came on special teams with touchdowns on both kick-off and punt returns.

“There is not much Trevor can’s do. He played running back, quarterback, defense, and special teams for us this season. He is a team guy that helped us in so many different ways.”

Doing whatever is asked of him is not out of the ordinary for the new Gator. Phelps has coached him four seasons, has seen him grow up, and he attributes his unselfish attitude to his family.

“I had Travis first, then Trevor, and both are great young men. Trevor is a yes sir, no sir, young man, he always wants to help, and he is very friendly. That all started at home.

“He comes from a great family. I have taught him, his brother, and their two sisters, and all are like that. Trevor is about the team and his future teammates will love him.

“He works hard, he is unselfish, and he will do whatever he can to help the team.”

Travis Etienne was a great example for Trevor

Trevor came after his older brother Travis, who shined at Jennings High, then Clemson, and is now playing in the NFL for the Jacksonville Jaguars.

He played a big role in Trevor’s development.

“The best example Trevor had was Travis and the entire household,” Phelps said. “Travis came back and worked with him on the little things.

“Whether is receiving the ball out of the backfield, pass blocking, and I feel he helped Trevor become a true back that can stay on the field all three downs.

“It is not just football though, Travis, and the entire family have played a role in Trevor being who he is. It is a great family that supports each other, and it shows.”

Of course there are comparisons. Phelps coached them both. He saw them develop and there are some similarities.

“They both made a lot of big plays at Jennings. People say Travis is faster and Trevor is stronger, but Trevor doesn’t get caught. He plays as fast as he needs to. That is what I can say.

“Trevor is thicker, he probably catches the ball a little better than Travis did in high school, but both ran hard, both were team players, and both were very productive.

“Both are great young men, and Trevor will go in, work hard, and make an impact like Travis did.”