UGA Football Running Back Trevor Etienne Expected to Sit Out Against Clemson

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ATLANTA - ESPN reported Saturday morning that UGA Footballis expected to suspend transfer running back Trevor Etienne for Saturday’s matchup against Clemson in the Aflac Kickoff Game. 

This result seemed more likely than Etienne suiting up for the season opener as the week went on. On Monday and Tuesday, Kirby Smart refused to give an official comment that leaned either way. Etienne was arrested in March on a few driving charges, including a DUI less safe that was later dropped, hence the question about his suspension. 

“I don't really talk about any of the other stuff in regards to any of our players with suspensions,” Smart said earlier this week. 

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Suspicion grew even bigger on Tuesday when ESPN college football insider Pete Thamel made an appearance on College Football Live and gave a vague report about Etienne, but suggesting that he would be suspended. 

“The headline is that Trevor Etienne is facing a one-game suspension,” Thamel said. “He got arrested in March on DUI charges. Under Georgia Athletic Department policy, he is expected to miss one game.”

With Etienne out against Clemson, Georgia will be without two of its expected heavy contributors at the position to open the season. Sophomore Roderick Robinson will likely miss at least the first couple of weeks with a turf toe injury. 

Branson Robinson is expected to get the starting nod against the Tigers. He missed the entirety of his sophomore season a year ago due to a ruptured patellar tendon. Insiders tell Dawg Post that he has looked good during this year’s fall practice. 

This will be Robinson’s first game action since the title win over TCU back in January of 2023.

Along with Robinson, Cash Jones and freshmen Nate Frazier and Chaucey Bowens are expected to receive snaps during this contest. 

So, Georgia is starting the season in a similar situation as the 2023 campaign. The running back room is a little shaky due to injuries,and in this case, a suspension. 

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