BYU offensive tackle Caleb Etienne has taken a winding road to the 2025 NFL Draft. Once a JUCO product, Etienne really found his form at BYU after transferring away from Oklahoma State, a difficult period in his career. He was most recently a First-Team All-Big 12 selection.
Etienne recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network. Etienne discussed his journey to the NFL draft, finding his confidence at BYU, which team is bringing him in for an in-person 30 visit later this month, and more.
JM: Now that you've had time to reflect, what was your transition like going from JUCO to Oklahoma State?
Caleb Etienne: That was a tough transition from JUCO to Oklahoma State. I was initially overweight. I was like 380 pounds at the time. I had to lose a bunch of weight. I had to get my confidence back while trying to make an instant impact at the D-I level.
It was a lot to handle. It ended up being a learning experience. I had to go through it. My time at Oklahoma State was almost like a blur. I was just trying to grow and develop as a person and as a player.
JM: You then made the move from Oklahoma State to BYU and you acclimated quickly. You were named First-Team All-Big 12. That felt like a smoother transition to me.
Caleb Etienne: It was very smooth. They ran a pro-style offense at BYU. We had a graduate assistant with me at Oklahoma State, he made the move to BYU as well. That was part of the reason I entered the portal.
I felt great at BYU. I was trying to learn the playbook as quickly as I could my first year there. I still had a rough time my first season. It was a fun transition to a pro-style offense, though.
I was able to really get a grasp of the offensive playbook during my final season at BYU. It was a smooth transition to BYU and a great decision for me.
JM: Is Caleb Etienne a phone-booth blocker, or athletic in space? How would you describe your traits and identity as an offensive lineman?
Caleb Etienne: I was really able to gain my confidence this past season. I was playing at a high level. When we played SMU early in the season, I was already playing with a lot of confidence.
Once that happened for me, I started to realize my potential. I was manhandling defenders with my size and strength. I went out there and played how I wanted to play.
I'm very explosive in pass protection. That is my strong suit. I'm explosive out of my stance. I feel like I've gotten better, and the sky's the limit for me in pass protection.
I'm excited for what's to come. Pass protection is my bread and butter. I feel like I've flashed power in a phone booth, to answer your question, but I need to get more consistent. That should help me a lot as my career pushes forward.
JM: Your performance ceiling is really exciting on tape. It's early, but have you met with any teams throughout this pre-draft process, or do you have any future visits lined up?
Caleb Etienne: I have an in-person 30 visit scheduled with the Kansas City Chiefs. I'll be there in March.
JM: That's exciting. What was your favorite play to run in the playbook and why? Something you get excited about in the huddle?
Caleb Etienne: We had this one play called “FROG” (laughs). It was our freeze option. I loved that play because it allowed me to showcase my athleticism. I think it really highlighted my mobility.
It asked me to climb to the next level. It was almost like a combo block where I'd “bang” the defensive tackle. I'd pass the d-tackle on to the guard and then I'd veer over top of the defensive end to climb to the linebacker.
It was a rare opportunity to highlight my flexibility as well since we didn't run many screens in our playbook. That was a great play for us week to week to show everyone I can bend and move.
Scouts wanted to see my movement skills because I'm a big guy.
JM: You answered those questions on that play. We've appreciated your time today. Why should a team use one of their draft picks on Caleb Etienne?
Caleb Etienne: I bring a great mentality to the team, a competitive mentality. I'm a good teammate to have in the locker room. I'm coming in hungry. I love football.
I'm planning on being a generational offensive tackle for whoever picks me. I'm excited for where this journey is going to take me. I'm going to keep having a great attitude while making the right decisions off the field.
I'm excited to develop my skills at the next level.