The Texas Longhorns will be missing at least one piece from the 2023 roster for next season. Horns 247 is reporting that star running back Jonathon Brooks is expected to declare for the NFL draft.
This move was expected by most draft experts. Brooks helps elevate a running back class that is particularly weak at the top. Especially with no talents like Bijan Robinson or Roschon Johnson in this class. Brooks will likely not make his NFL debut until late in the season due to the torn ACL, depending on how the rehabilitation process goes.
It was a breakout year for Brooks with Texas in 2023. He rushed for 1,193 yards with 10 touchdowns. Brooks totaled 1,425 yards from scrimmage with 11 touchdowns in 11 games. He last played on Nov. 11 against the TCU Horned Frogs.
NEW: #Texas running back Jonathon Brooks expected to enter NFL Draft, sources tell Horns247 https://t.co/avRXykOzCU #HookEm pic.twitter.com/Na2mbWDeea
— Horns247 (@Horns247) January 4, 2024
Texas will head into the first year in the SEC with former five-star signee C.J. Baxter as the likely lead back for the Longhorns. Baxter rushed for 330 of his 659 rushing yards this season following the injury to Brooks. He scored five rushing touchdowns on the season, but only one following the injury.
Brooks should be among the top backs along with former Clemson running back Will Shipley, who recently declared for the draft.
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