JACKSONVILLE – He keeps it simple – and for Travis Etienne Jr., simple is good.
It's about what's happening on the field right now for the Jaguars' fifth-year running back, not what's happening off the field or what the future will hold.
"I just control the controllables," Etienne said.
Etienne, the Jaguars' starting running back the last three seasons, spoke to the media last week during the final week of organized team activities. Head Coach Liam Coen during that week discussed Etienne, praising the former first-round selection for his approach this offseason as the Jaguars transition to a new offense under Coen.
"Everyday, everything we have asked him to do he has done at a good click for us," Coen said.
Etienne's versatility figures to make him critical in Coen's offense, which often features two backs who are effective running and receiving.
"The ability in the screen game, to hand him jet sweeps, his vision so far in the run game's been good," Coen said. "He has done everything we've asked him to do and more. There has been a consistency.
"It is one of those things where he can shine in ways in space. He has done a great job."
Coen also last week addressed offseason speculation that Etienne might be traded in the offseason, with Tank Bigsby leading the Jaguars in rushing last season and with the Jaguars selecting two running backs – Bhayshul Tuten (Round 3) and LeQuint Allen Jr. (Round 7) in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Coen called the speculation "absolutely inaccurate."
"I don't really understand some of the stuff that I've seen out there," he said.
Etienne, a two-time 1,000-yard rusher, is entering the final season of his rookie contract. He will play on the fifth-year option the Jaguars were able to exercise last offseason because of his status as a first-round selection – No. 25 overall in 2021.