As the Texas Longhorns prepare for their first season in the Southeastern Conference, a number of important starters are back. But in its running back room rankings, CBS Sports has focused on the backup running backs from 2023 rather than players like Quinn Ewers, who will be starting under center in 2024.
According to CBS Sports: “Jonathan Brooks moved on to the NFL after leading the Longhorns in rushing last season with 1,139 yards. The No. 22 player in the 2023 recruiting class (No. 1 RB), CJ Baxter, was Brooks’ main backup last season. However, he had a slow start to his rookie season. But when November arrived, Baxter ran for 90 yards on 10 carries against Kansas State and recorded his first-ever 100-yard touchdown run at Iowa State. In the Sugar Bowl game against Washington, Baxter averaged over seven yards per carry and scored a touchdown to cap off the season. Jaydon Blue is expected to assume a more significant role in the coming year. Blue averaged 6.12 yards per carry last season while rushing for 398 yards. Additionally, Blue was a more explosive pass-catcher than Baxter. Compared to Baxter, he averaged more than three yards per reception on 14 receptions for 135 yards. Jerrick Gibson, the third-ranked running back in the 2024 class, is the reason behind both of these well-rounded units that work well together.
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