Travis Etienne Headed to Clemson

As had been rumored earlier in the week, Jennings, La., running back Travis Etienne committed to Clemson earlier this evening.

LSU had extended a late offer to the 5-11, 210-pound four-star prospect, but it proved too late to sway the speedster. Clemson also offered late, but it seems the prospect of getting away from home and playing for the defending national champs held a little more appeal.

“I had a good connection with the coaches and everything, and we clicked," Etienne told The Advocate. "I like coach Sweeney and the coaching staff they have. I just feel it was the best fit for me.

Etienne was rated as the No. 16 back in the class of 2017, and the 8th-rated player in the state of Louisiana. While this will no-doubt be taken as some sour grapes, I don’t consider this a huge loss for LSU. The Tigers still have another back in this class in fellow four-star Clyde Edwards-Helaire, and in Etienne’s case, LSU had scouted the young man extensively and only chose to offer very late once they lost a chance to sign five-star Cam Akers. They even tried to convince Etienne to move to safety at one point.

However it is a gamble to be sure, as LSU will only have four scholarship tailbacks in 2017, and almost certainly lose two of them afterwards. That said, running backs aren’t particularly hard to find, and the remaining spots in this recruiting class can be used on larger positions of need, such as the one filled today with Jacob Phillips’ commitment.

Still, we all wish Etienne the best at Clemson, and at a minimum, he’ll be out of conference and off the Tigers schedule, save for any potential postseason matchup.

In his announcement, Etienne called Clemson "the real Death Valley," according to 247Sports.

Besides, we clearly have no use for a player this delusional.