Georgia will likely be without star running back Trevor Etienne for their season opener against Clemson, a highly anticipated matchup. According to sources from 247Sports and CBS Sports, the No. 1-ranked Bulldogs are expected to suspend Etienne, who transferred from Florida, for the game against the No. 14 Tigers.
The suspension is tied to Etienne’s arrest in March for DUI and reckless driving. While the DUI charge was later dismissed through a deal with prosecutors, Etienne pleaded no contest to reckless driving and admitted guilt to charges of underage possession of alcohol, failure to maintain lane, and a window tint violation.
Etienne, the younger brother of former Clemson star running back Travis Etienne, was set to take over as Georgia’s lead back. Over the last two seasons at Florida, Etienne rushed for a combined 1,458 yards, including 753 yards and nine total touchdowns last year. His transfer to Georgia made waves, as 247Sports ranked him the third-best running back transfer of the 2024 offseason, behind only Quinshon Judkins (Ole Miss to Ohio State) and Damien Martinez (Oregon State to Miami).
In addition to Etienne, Georgia is also expected to miss running back Roderick Robinson, the team’s top returning rusher from last season. Robinson, who recorded 196 yards and two touchdowns on 24 carries in 2023, recently underwent toe surgery and is considered “week to week” by head coach Kirby Smart.
The absence of Etienne and Robinson leaves Georgia relying on younger but promising backs for the Clemson game. Sophomore Branson Robinson and freshman Nate Frazier are expected to step up. Robinson, who stands at 5-foot-10 and 220 pounds, is back after missing the entire 2023 season due to a preseason knee injury. As a freshman in 2022, he rushed for 330 yards and has impressed coaches during fall camp. Frazier, another standout during camp, was ranked as the No. 2 running back prospect in the 2024 recruiting class and is among several highly touted Georgia freshmen expected to make an impact this season.
Georgia will hope their young talent can fill the void left by Etienne and Robinson in their crucial season opener against Clemson.