Clemson Football: 3 reasons Travis Etienne’s return locks up 2020 national title

SANTA CLARA, CA - JANUARY 07: Travis Etienne #9 of the Clemson Tigers carries the ball against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the CFP National Championship presented by AT&T at Levi's Stadium on January 7, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - JANUARY 07: Travis Etienne #9 of the Clemson Tigers carries the ball against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the CFP National Championship presented by AT&T at Levi's Stadium on January 7, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
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Clemson football running back Travis Etienne returning his senior season in 2020 was a shock. His return only adds to the high-probability to win the title.

There have been some surprises with announcements to forgo their senior season or forgo the 2020 NFL Draft. The biggest and most surprising announcement so far is Clemson Tigers’ star running back Travis Etienne returning for his senior season in 2020.

The Tigers’ all-time leader in rushing yards and rushing touchdowns is looking to achieve something much bigger than himself this next season.

Etienne returns to Clemson for one more season to graduate from the university with a degree in sports communication. When he announced his decision on Twitter, it was obvious that he has a lot of love and support for the program, coaches and teammates. He is determined to make himself a clear top player in college football.

With him coming back, he puts himself as one of the elite offensive players in the nation. He, along with his Clemson teammate in quarterback Trevor Lawrence, is one of the top favorites for the Heisman Trophy.

Before he declared to come back for his senior season, he was ranked as the fourth-best running back in the 2020 NFL Draft by ESPN Draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. He is likely to raise his stock and potentially become a first-round prospect for the 2021 NFL Draft.

In the meantime, Etienne has unfinished business with the sport of college football and his journey with the Tigers.

There are three reasons why Travis Etienne’s return makes the Tigers national title favorites for the 2020 season.