Sep 16, 2023; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators running back Trevor Etienne (7) rushes with the ball during the first half against the Tennessee Volunteers at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports
All good things come to an end — that includes Blake Corum’s time in the Maize and Blue. While Donovan Edwards may still be coming back next season, an interesting SEC name just hit the portal: Trevor Etienne of the Florida Gators. Seeing as this top-ranked running back is now on the market, and the Wolverines could use an elite back with his exact skill set, I believe that Etienne should quickly become a top Michigan football transfer portal target ahead of the 2024 season.
Ex-SEC star should be Michigan football transfer portal target
Elite running back play has boosted the Michigan Wolverines to three straight Big Ten titles and College Football Playoff appearances over the past few seasons. Seeing as Blake Corum, and potentially Donovan Edwards, is leaving after the current season, the Maize and Blue will likely hit the portal to reload ahead of next year’s unordinary season, which will include Big Ten expansion, playoff expansion, and more.
Perhaps the best running back in the transfer portal right now is former SEC star Trevor Etienne, the younger brother of ex-Clemson standout Travis Etienne. Per the 247 Sports rankings, Etienne is the No. 14 transfer available right now and the No. 1 transfer running back in the country.
More on Trevor Etienne with the Florida Gators
During his most recent season with the Florida Gators in the SEC, Trevor Etienne rushed for 753 yards on 151 carries (5.7 yards per carry) and eight touchdowns. In September, Etienne rushed for 172 yards and a touchdown against No. 11 Tennessee during Florida’s impressive upset win over the Volunteers — it was his best performance of the 2023 season, though he had a number of other solid games as well.
Assuming Donovan Edwards returns to Ann Arbor next fall, he and Trevor Etienne would make a deadly combo — they are both speed backs, have a nose for open rushing lanes, and can be deadly in the receiving game as well. If Michigan football wants to add a potentially elite talent to its roster and continue to contend for Big Ten titles and CFP appearances, pursuing this Florida running back could be a fantastic idea.
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