Trevor Etienne of Georgia has been impressing in the Senior Bowl, displaying his abilities and NFL potential.

As the 2025 NFL Draft looms, prospects from across the country have been making their case for why they belong at the next level. One player who has been turning heads and solidifying his stock is Trevor Etienne, the standout running back from the University of Georgia. Known for his impressive combination of size, speed, and football IQ, Etienne has continued to elevate his game during the Senior Bowl, a premier postseason event where top college seniors showcase their skills for NFL scouts and executives.

For Etienne, the Senior Bowl provides a critical opportunity to demonstrate his abilities in a competitive setting, and he’s seized that opportunity, making a strong case for why he should be considered one of the top running back prospects in the upcoming draft. From his decision-making and vision to his quickness and power, Etienne has shown that he has the skills to be a difference-maker in the NFL.

In this article, we’ll break down why Trevor Etienne is impressing scouts and analysts at the Senior Bowl, explore what makes him a unique talent, and discuss how his game could translate to the NFL.

Background: A Look at Etienne’s Journey to the Senior Bowl

Before diving into his Senior Bowl performance, it’s important to understand Trevor Etienne’s journey and what makes his rise to prominence even more impressive.

Etienne hails from Jennings, Louisiana, where he was a highly regarded high school prospect. As a star at Jennings High School, Etienne was known for his exceptional speed, vision, and agility, quickly garnering attention from top college football programs. He chose to play for the Georgia Bulldogs, where he immediately made an impact with his physical running style and ability to excel in Georgia’s balanced offense.

During his time at Georgia, Etienne showcased the type of versatility that makes him an intriguing prospect. Whether he was running between the tackles, catching passes out of the backfield, or blocking in the passing game, Etienne proved that he could contribute in a variety of ways. His ability to consistently move the chains and break off long runs made him one of the most dangerous weapons in Georgia’s arsenal, and it’s this well-rounded skill set that has captured the attention of NFL teams.

Etienne’s Performance at the Senior Bowl: Key Highlights

The Senior Bowl is known for bringing together some of the best senior talent in the country for an all-star showcase in front of NFL coaches, scouts, and general managers. This event has often served as a springboard for players to boost their draft stock, and Etienne has used this opportunity to show just how ready he is for the next level.

1. Vision and Patience as a Runner

One of the most noticeable traits of Etienne’s running style is his vision. At the Senior Bowl, he demonstrated an uncanny ability to read blocks and anticipate running lanes. Despite facing some of the top defenders in college football, Etienne’s ability to wait for holes to develop before hitting them with authority was on full display.

This vision is crucial for an NFL running back, as it allows players to maximize their opportunities, especially when facing fast and physical defenses. Etienne’s ability to make quick decisions and use his offensive line to his advantage will be a key asset at the next level. He has the patience to let plays develop but is quick to explode through the hole once it opens, an important skill for an NFL running back in both zone and power running schemes.

2. Explosiveness and Acceleration

Etienne also showcased his explosiveness in several runs during the Senior Bowl practices. His ability to get from 0 to 60 in an instant allows him to hit the second level with authority, often outrunning defenders who had an angle on him. This ability to accelerate quickly makes Etienne a threat for long runs, an attribute that NFL teams covet in their running backs.

Whether it was bursting through a small opening in the offensive line or turning the corner on the edge, Etienne’s speed was on full display. At the NFL level, having a back who can change gears so quickly can make a significant difference, especially in the open field. His ability to pick up chunks of yardage quickly gives him big-play potential, which is highly valued in modern offenses that prioritize explosive plays.

3. Receiving Ability Out of the Backfield

While Etienne is known primarily for his running ability, his skills as a receiver out of the backfield have also drawn attention during Senior Bowl practices. In the passing game, Etienne has proven to be a reliable target, showing soft hands and the ability to make defenders miss in space after the catch. His ability to catch passes out of the backfield and turn them into substantial gains is another trait that boosts his draft stock.

As the NFL continues to evolve into a pass-heavy league, running backs who can contribute in the passing game are more valuable than ever. Etienne’s ability to run routes, catch passes in stride, and turn those catches into additional yards will make him an asset in both checkdown situations and as a versatile option in the passing game. Whether lined up in the backfield or in the slot, Etienne’s ability to affect the game in multiple ways will be highly attractive to NFL teams looking for running backs who can do it all.

4. Strong Blocking Skills

One of the underrated aspects of a running back’s skill set is their ability to block in pass protection. Etienne impressed during Senior Bowl practices with his willingness and ability to step up in this area. His strong upper body and willingness to engage defenders allowed him to protect his quarterback effectively. In today’s NFL, where quarterbacks often face pressure from blitzing defenders, a running back’s ability to pick up blitzes and provide solid protection is a crucial part of their value.

Etienne’s blocking ability is a testament to his all-around skill set. Not only does he have the tools to be a productive runner and receiver, but he also has the mentality of a complete back who can protect his quarterback and keep the offense on schedule. This will be a big asset for him as he transitions to the next level.

5. Physical Running Style with Breakaway Speed

Despite his speed, Etienne isn’t just a finesse back. He showed plenty of physicality at the Senior Bowl, running with power and toughness. When hitting defenders head-on, Etienne doesn’t shy away from contact; instead, he uses his strong frame to push through would-be tacklers. He possesses the ability to drag defenders for extra yards, and his lower-body strength allows him to break through arm tackles that would bring down lesser players.

At the NFL level, where defensive linemen and linebackers are bigger and faster, this physical running style will serve Etienne well. His ability to lower his shoulder and gain yards after contact will make him a tough player to stop in short-yardage and goal-line situations.

What Makes Etienne Stand Out in a Loaded Running Back Class?

The 2025 NFL Draft is loaded with running back talent, and Etienne is no stranger to stiff competition. However, what sets him apart from other running back prospects is his all-around ability. While many running backs excel in one or two areas—whether it’s as a runner, a pass catcher, or a blocker—Etienne has demonstrated that he excels in all of them.

His vision and patience as a runner are rare for a back of his caliber, and his ability to contribute in the passing game and protect the quarterback will make him highly desirable to NFL teams. There’s also his speed, acceleration, and ability to break tackles that will make him an immediate threat at the professional level.

Etienne’s NFL Outlook: Where Will He Fit?

After his strong performance at the Senior Bowl, Trevor Etienne has solidified his place as one of the top running back prospects in the 2025 draft. As NFL teams look for running backs who can contribute in multiple facets of the game, Etienne’s ability to be a three-down back will make him an appealing option for many teams.

He could potentially find a home with a team that runs a zone-blocking scheme, where his vision and patience will be key in making quick decisions and reading the defense. He could also fit into a power-running scheme where his physicality and ability to move the pile will be important.

Etienne’s all-around game will make him a valuable asset for an NFL offense, and his performance at the Senior Bowl has only increased his chances of being a first- or second-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Conclusion: A Rising Star at the Senior Bowl

Trevor Etienne’s impressive performance at the Senior Bowl has made a significant statement to NFL scouts and executives. With a complete skill set that includes outstanding vision, explosiveness, receiving ability, and solid pass protection, Etienne has all the tools to be a dynamic and versatile running back at the next level. His rise from Georgia to one of the top running back prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft is a testament to his hard work, physical gifts, and determination to improve his game.

As the draft approaches, Etienne’s impressive showing at the Senior Bowl will continue to be a key talking point, and he is poised to make a big impact in the NFL. With the right fit, Etienne’s future in the pros looks incredibly bright.