Star SEC running back would be perfect Aaron Jones replacement for Minnesota Vikings

Finding an improvement at running back should be a priority for the Minnesota Vikings. They have both Aaron Jones and Cam Akers set to be free agents

This running back class is one of the best we’ve seen in ages. There are upward of 30 players with draftable grades at the position. Even though the Vikings have just four draft picks, it would behoove them to take one, possibly two running backs.

The latest installment of our SKOL Search series focuses on another talented running back in Georgia’s Trevor Etienne

Trevor Etienne

Georgia

Transfer from Florida

Height: 5084

Weight: 202

Class: Third-Year Junior

Recruiting info: 3-star recruit in 2022 class per 247 Sports

Stats: 371 carries, 2,081 yards, 5.6 YPC, 23 touchdowns, 62 receptions, 432 yards, 1 touchdown

Games watched: Kentucky 2024, Alabama 2024, Texas 2024

Strengths

Quick Feet: Etienne is a really good athlete, but what separates him from others in the class is how he uses his feet. When hitting the hole, Etienne shows patience and can jump cut across faces to attack space opening up.

Vision: Patience is a virtue that Etienne has and his eyes are there to match. When he attacks the line of scrimmage, Etienne understands what’s in front of him and attacks the right holes, and sets up defenders to evade them in space.

Fluid Mover: Sometimes when size isn’t great, you get a player who uses it to their advantage. Etienne understands how to use his size to evade defenders by getting skinny and hiding behind blockers. He also bounces off defenders by using their momentum to his advantage like a pinball.

Long Speed: Etienne has all the burst you need in short areas and to hit home runs. He should run in the 4.4s with a chance to get into the 4.3s.

Weaknesses

Receiving: Etienne wasn’t asked to be much of a receiver on college and when he did, it was almost exclusively screen passes. He only had one target not caught and it was against Kentucky in 2024 when the ball was tipped. He showed a propensity to run nuanced routes at the Senior Bowl, but consistency will need to be a priority.

Injury History: Despite being a talented player, Etienne hasn’t been able to stay healthy. He was constantly banged up throughout his career, including missing five games in the last two years.

Endurance: Etienne has never been treated like a workhorse. In his three year career, he has just one game with 20 or more carries. Can he be treated like the top back with his size and injury history?

Overview

Trait Grade

Vision

8.5/10

Cutback

8.4/10

Long Speed

4.3/5

Contact Balance

8.0/10

Pass Blocking

7.5/10

Break/Avoid Tackles

12.9/15

Durability

6.7/10

Receiving

7.7/10

Quickness

8.5/10

Ball Security

7.8/10

Grade

80.3 Second Round

Etienne is the right kind of running back to fall down the board due to his size. However, his profile is incredibly appealing if you are comfortable with his size. Etienne can run in any scheme and has the ability to grow on third downs with his receiving ability and pass blocking.

He would be a great complementary back for the Vikings, but it would be smart to not count on him to be their lead back. Honestly, he would be the perfect replacement for Aaron Jones.