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Trevor Etienne faced his former team for the first time on Saturday while lining up for the Georgia Bulldogs. The running back’s day would be cut short with a rib injury after just seven carries.
Etienne’s mom, Donnetta, accused his old Florida Gators teammates of trying to hurt him on purpose due to his treasonous transfer in the offseason.
A junior, Etienne spent his first two seasons in Gainesville where he blossomed into the offense’s top option at tailback. Across those two campaigns, he racked up 1,472 yards and 14 touchdowns.
This past offseason, though, he surprisingly left his post as RB1 in order to play for rival Georgia. It was a move that his mom said was best for the family.
We made the best decision for the “Etienne Family “ That’s it and that’s all..#GodBless🙏🏽
— Donnetta Etienne (@DonnettaEtienne) December 7, 2023
Whether the move was related to NIL or NFL visibility, Donnetta Etienne believed it put her son in the best position to succeed.
Fast forward to 2024, and he’s seen similar production in the backfield, averaging 64.7 yards per game with seven scores. His team, however, has vastly improved in the win-loss column.
Trevor Etienne’s new squad is 7-1 with national championship dreams in sight. His old school is 4-4 and potentially headed for a fourth straight losing season.
On Saturday, they played in their annual rivalry game in Jacksonville, with the former Gator wearing an eye black message that read “Choot ‘Em,” a reference to the reality TV show Swamp People.
Georgia would win, 34-20, but Etienne would have little impact on the outcome.
Florida defenders welcomed him back in an unsportsmanlike manner, making sure the running back felt their displeasure with his traitorous departure.
Donnetta Etienne says the extracurriculars went a little too far. She accused his former program of putting a target on his back!
X: @DonnettaEtienne
On his very first carry, it appeared a Florida defender put his hand inside of Etienne’s facemask and proceeded to slam his head to the turf. He was later sought out by a Gators player on an interception return.
Donnetta Etienne believes it was in the gameplan!
The Etienne family is something else. pic.twitter.com/Q51goUMRAQ
— Joe (@UFLORIDAJOE) November 4, 2024
In the end, Trevor Etienne got the last laugh as he picked up his first win in the rivalry. He totaled 31 rushing yards on the day.
Kirby Smart expects him to return next week for the Bulldogs.