Trevor Lawrence would 'love to' have Jaguars draft Justyn Ross

CLEMSON — Trevor Lawrence and Justyn Ross had their time playing together in college cut short as Ross was forced to miss the entire 2020 college football season with an injury.

But that doesn’t mean that the two former Clemson stars are done playing together.

Ross declared for the NFL Draft following this past season and will hear his name called later this month as he begins his professional football career.

Lawrence is hopeful that perhaps he and Ross can once again team up together — this time in the NFL with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

“We had a great connection in college. He’s special, and the way, he can cut, all those things that he can do. … I know he’s a great player and all that,” Lawrence said this week. “So I’d love to play with him if that ends up working out.”

Ross was Lawrence’s favorite target when both players were freshman in 2018 as they led Clemson to a national title that season — its second in three years.

Ross finished that season with 1,000 receiving yards, while Lawrence passed for 3,280 yards and 30 touchdowns.

The two had a great connection in 2019 as well and could have made even more history together in college if not for injuries.

Perhaps they will make more history in the NFL together, instead.

“My last year he wasn’t able to play and we missed him, like having that threat on the outside and just that playmaking ability,” Lawrence said. “I think he’s going to do great wherever he ends up, but obviously it’d be nice to have a familiar face and pick back up where we left off.”

Lawrence thankful to have Travis Etienne back

While Trevor Lawrence is hoping to have one former Clemson teammate join him in Justyn Ross, he will definitely have another former Tigers teammate as a weapon this season in running back Travis Etienne.

Etienne missed all of last season with a foot injury but is progressing well and should be 100 percent healthy by the start of training camp.

He should be a big part of Jacksonville’s offense in 2022 after not playing at all last year.

“I’m really excited to have him back. Obviously I know how talented he is, but also knowing that last year wasn’t the easiest thing having to sit out. … You’re ready to make an impact and play and then you get hurt in the preseason game. That’s tough,” Lawrence said. “Missing the whole year, I know he missed being out there. So I’m just excited to have him back and in the locker room, really a part of practice, preparing, all of those things. And I know he’s ready to do that, too. So I know he’s going to add a spark for us.”

Etienne, who is the ACC’s all-time leading rusher, will be a part of a two-headed monster in the backfield with James Robinson.

The two each bring something a little different to the Jaguars offense.

“James is great between the tackles, great vision, just a great player. Travis adds a little more explosion, that big play ability, and his speed is special,” Lawrence said. “I think that’s going to help us a lot, make us a little more versatile. Just having those guys will be a really good 1-2 punch, so I’m excited.”