Making the Grade: Though it did not come easy, Etienne still had a great year

When Travis Etienne decided to return to Clemson for his senior season, everyone expected him to have another 1,600-yard rushing season.

However, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and the Tigers’ young offensive line never fully developed through a season of missed training time and Zoom meetings. Opposing defenses took advantage of the situation and loaded up the box, daring quarterback Trevor Lawrence and his unproven receivers to beat them.

And though Lawrence and company set Clemson records in the passing game, defenses continued to stack the box, determined not to let Etienne break loose.

So, Clemson offensive coordinator Tony Elliott got creative with how he used Etienne. The Jennings, La.,…