Travis Etienne expects an 'unbelievable' year out of himself this season

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne is already among the best at his position in the NFL, but he wants to take the next step in 2024.

Etienne, speaking at training camp earlier this week, said he expects an “unbelievable” year out of himself this season.

“I expect an unbelievable year,” Etienne said. “I feel like I wanna go out there and just be the best player that I can be for the team. Feel like week in and week out just being healthy. I feel like health is wealth and I’m able to go out there and just present a mismatch. Just really wanna see the coaches exploit those kinds of mismatches this year and I feel like that’s gonna help us be much better and they’ve been kind of getting me more involved here in the passing game and that’s gonna take my game to another level.

“I feel like I’ve always been electric with the ball in my hand just handing it off. But just getting me the ball in space is gonna be so much more crucial because I feel like the first guy is never gonna tackle me. And being out there one-on-one with a backer, I’m gonna make them miss every time. I just wanna help our receivers get open that much more, just help the defense more, help the run game, just turn our offense to a whole new level.”

Etienne, Jacksonville’s first round selection (25th overall) in the 2021 NFL Draft out of Clemson, is coming off his second consecutive 1,000-yard campaign. He rushed for 1,008 yards on 3.8 yards per carry and 11 touchdowns, adding 58 receptions for 476 yards and a score.

Travis Etienne believes he, Tank Bigsby could become duo similar to Jahmyr Gibbs, David Montgomery

Etienne’s efficiency took a step back from his impressive 2022, and he also saw 267 carries, fourth most in the league. With fellow tailback Tank Bigsby entering his second season, the Jaguars plan on taking some of the load off of Etienne’s shoulders.

Etienne believes he and Bigsby can become a lethal duo out of the backfield, similar to that of the Detroit Lions’ Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery.

“Anytime you can have two guys out there just being who they are as players that’s really great for the team,” Etienne said. “I think about Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery. Both guys in the same system going over 1,000 yards, and I feel like why can’t that be us? I feel like it’s only going to help the team be so much better.

“… When I come out of the game, Tank still brings a threat, and I feel like it’s going to continue to help propel us further. Whenever we’re like so much further down the line, Week 17, I don’t really have all that beat up on my body, Tank has really been helping me. I feel like it just helps us be fresher for a long time. It’ll really extend the longevity of my career.”