Clemson RB Travis Etienne’s decision to stay in school strengthens 2021 RB class

As of now, it looks like the 2021 running back class will be deep with potential Day 1 and Day 2 talent.

That’s because several of the underclassmen who were expected to enter the 2020 NFL draft instead decided to stay in school, highlighted by Clemson’s Travis Etienne, whose decision to stay in school came as somewhat of a surprise on Friday.

Matthew 16:26 “What will it profit a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?” #ALLIN pic.twitter.com/r6ZifftnmM

— Travis Etienne Jr⁶𓅓 (@swaggy_t1) January 17, 2020

In addition to Etienne, Oklahoma State’s Chuba Hubbard and Alabama’s Najee Harris also decided to forgo the 2020 NFL draft.

Hubbard led the nation this past season with 2,094 yards rushing and 21 touchdowns. Harris rushed for 1,224 yards and 27 TDs, while Etienne rushed for 1,614 yards and 19 touchdowns.

Of the trio, Etienne was seen by analysts as the most likely to land somewhere in the first 60 picks.

The official list of underclassmen who have declared will be submitted to the NFL on Tuesday, Jan. 21. Until then, Fanpeak will continue to monitor a few more names who have yet to make their draft intentions know publically, like Clemson safety/linebacker Isaiah Simmons.