Jaguars Running Back Travis Etienne Looking to ‘Maximize’ His Skillset by Taking Reps as Wide Receiver

The Jacksonville Jaguars had two picks in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft. With the first overall pick, the franchise selected Trevor Lawrence. And with their second pick of the first round, they drafted his college teammate running back Travis Etienne. 

Etienne is a gifted athlete who entered the draft as one of the highest-rated running backs of his class. The running back from Clemson holds the ACC record for most rushing yards (4,952 yards) and touchdowns (77).

But it seems like the Jacksonville Jaguars have different ideas involving their rookie running back. In rookie minicamp, Etienne was spotted running pass routes instead of rushing drills.

Travis Etienne looking to make the most of this opportunity 

Talking to the Jaguars website, the running back talked about his thoughts on the situation. He also talked about how a conversation with Jags Head Coach Urban Meyer was all it took for him to make the changes.

“When I came out here, he (Meyer) brought me into a room, asked me how I felt about it, and I feel great about it,” Etienne said.

READ MORE – Watch: Rookie QBs of 2021 NFL Draft Class Predict Their Ratings for Madden 22

“I feel like it’s going to help me maximize my opportunity, maximize my skillset, so I feel like coach knows what he’s doing. He’s doing what’s best for the team and I feel like it’s going to work out really well,” Etienne added.

Talking about how this change can help bring out mismatches, the wide receiver said he’s ready for anything that’s best for the team. 

“Football is a game of matchups. I feel like I create a problem outside for a linebacker. We’re just trying to get the best matchups for us to go out there. Make plays and do what’s best for the team.”

READ MORE – Watch: Rookie QBs of 2021 NFL Draft Class Predict Their Ratings for Madden 22

While the Jaguars’ decision might have come as a shock to some, one has come to expect the unexpected from the franchise. After all, they’re signing a quarterback who last played in the NFL eight years ago, as a tight end on a year-long deal.

In what is Urban Meyer’s first stint as the head coach of an NFL team, a few more surprises may come along the way in 2021.