Tag: CJ Baxter

CJ Baxter ready to build on his freshman season success

The Orlando native is expected to make an impact on the 2024 team.

After an impressive freshman season, expectations are higher than ever for Texas Longhorns running back CJ Baxter. The Orlando native is expected to see more playing time after the Carolina Panthers selected Jonathan Brooks in the second round of the 2024 NFL draft. Baxter will be looking to make the most of his opportunity.

During his first season with the Longhorns, Baxter played in 13 games, recording 680 rushing yards. He found the end zone five times and averaged 50.7 yards a game. Baxter also finished second on the team in rushing yards, attempts, and touchdowns.

While Baxter will still have to split time this season, he proved last year that he can be a very effective player. This season, the Longhorns’ running back room will include Jaydon Blue, Tre Wisner, Jerrick Gibson, and Christian Clark. Of that group, Baxter has the most experience in the Longhorns’ offense.

Additionally, Baxter can also impact the passing game. Last season, he hauled in 25 targets for 148 yards. Regardless of the situation, he made the most of his opportunities with an almost 50-50 split between snaps as a rusher and snaps as a receiver. During the 2024 campaign, that total should change due to a heavier rushing workload.

With the regular season just weeks away, excitement is growing for what the Longhorns have in store. With Baxter taking on a more significant role, the offense should be in good hands as he is poised for a breakout season.

CJ Baxter steps up in place of injured Jonathon Brooks in Texas’ victory

The true freshman accumulated over 100 yards in Texas’ 26-16 victory.

It’s nice to have a five-star running back to replace your starter when he’s sidelined for the year with a torn ACL. Continue reading “CJ Baxter steps up in place of injured Jonathon Brooks in Texas’ victory”

Texas can find success in the run game without Jonathon Brooks

Although Jonathon Brooks’ injury may impact the Longhorns, CJ Baxter and Jaydon Blue provide a reliable running game.

Texas running back Jonathon Brooks tore his ACL in last week’s victory over TCU, ending his spectacular season. In his first full season as the starting back, Brooks rushed for 1,139 yards, 10 touchdowns, and averaged 6.1 yards per carry.

Despite the sophomore going down, Texas can still succeed in the run game with CJ Baxter and Jaydon Blue.

Baxter has been productive when healthy, accumulating nearly 400 yards and three touchdowns this season. For the Longhorns to keep the run game strong, they will need sophomore Jaydon Blue to step in and handle business, which he usually does.

Blue is an exceptionally quick and explosive back but has unfortunately found himself as the third string behind Brooks and Baxter this season. This is Blue’s time to prove that he has what it takes to fill in for Texas despite Brooks’ season-ending injury.

Although Brooks’ injury may impact the Longhorns, CJ Baxter and Jaydon Blue provide a reliable running game.

Texas is expected to have running back CJ Baxter back vs. Baylor

CJ Baxter is trending the right direction to play on Saturday.

In his weekly zoom call, Texas head Coach Steve Sarkisian provided an update on freshman running back CJ Baxter.

“He looked great today. I was really, really excited about watching him practice today. Best practice he’s had in two weeks, so I feel good about him going Saturday.”

Through two games, Baxter has 69 rushing yards and 21 receiving yards.

Baxter was held out of the game against Wyoming in Week 3 due to injury, but with Sark saying Baxter had the best practice in weeks, we can expect to see the freshman in Waco on Saturday for the conference opener against the Baylor Bears.

Texas RB CJ Baxter returns to practice Monday after suffering injury vs Rice

Great news for Texas as they prepare to face Alabama this weekend.

Fortunately for Texas, freshman running back Cedric Baxter Jr.’s injury is not serious. Continue reading “Texas RB CJ Baxter returns to practice Monday after suffering injury vs Rice”

Three freshmen that could shine for Texas in 2023

Look out for these youngsters!

For the first time since 2009, Texas is favored to win the Big 12 and actually have a legitimate chance to contend for all the marbles.

Two of the reasons it is favored and expected to have this degree of success are the continuity in the coaching staff and all of its returning players. The Longhorns will field one of the most experienced teams in the country in 2023. Their wide receiver, offensive line and defensive line units are among the best in the country.

However, even with all of the seasoned vets across the roster, some young guns stand out and could shine for the Longhorns in 2023. Here are three freshmen I think have that chance:

Looking at the running backs Tashard Choice has recruited to Texas

Texas may have one of the best recruiters in the country.

Texas has become the premier destination for the top-ranked running backs in the country. There is one coach in particular that deserves his flowers for playing a large role in the recruiting success.

Texas running backs coach Tashard Choice has been an unsung hero for the Longhorns on the recruiting trail and on Saturday he struck again. When Texas lost Stan Drayton to Temple, it was a huge blow to the program and left some wondering if Steve Sarkisian could find someone that compares.

Well, for the second straight season Choice helped land one of the best running backs and players from the state of Florida, a state that the Longhorns prior to his arrival didn’t have the best luck in.

The Longhorns missed on names like Trey Sanders, Noah Cain, and T.J. Pledger at running back. From the span of 2016-2022 the program had landed just three Floridians. Now, with Choice’s ties to Florida the Longhorns have access to a state that is one of the most talent-rich in the country and have picked up consecutive commitments from top backs in Florida.

Let’s take a look at the major recruits Choice has hauled in for the Longhorns over the last couple years.