Following a torn LCL and PCL in his right knee during practice on Tuesday, Texas running back CJ Baxter will miss the 2024 campaign, the university confirmed. With Jonathan Brooks leaving for the NFL, the top running back prospect from the 2023 recruiting class was predicted to play a significant role for the Longhorns this fall as the starting option. After getting hurt in the first two games against Rice and Alabama, Baxter gave up the starting position to Brooks in the 2023 season. After Brooks tore his ACL against TCU on November 11, Baxter returned to the starting lineup in the autumn. After 138 attempts, Baxter concluded his rookie season with 659 yards of rushes and five touchdowns. His 659 sprinting yards ranked No. 8 in FBS among freshmen.
With 24 receptions for 156 yards, Baxter also shown that he was Quinn Ewers’ safety blanket when it came to tossing the ball. Texas will probably turn to Jaydon Blue, who caught 14 receptions for 135 yards and another touchdown last season and ran for 398 yards and three touchdowns, now that Baxter is out for the season. His teammates think he might be unique. Blue totaled 310 all-purpose yards and almost seven yards per rush in the final three games of the 2023 season, with a standout performance of ten carries for 121 yards in Texas’ annihilation of Texas Tech.
Potential next-up player: Horns247 reports that program sources are intrigued about Tre Wisner, a sophomore. Because of Baxter’s injury, freshman Jerrick Gibson and Christian Clark may potentially see an uptick in their respective responsibilities. Running backs coach Tashard Choice is proud of Texas’ depth at the position. In terms of run yards per game (188.4), yards per rush (five), and rushing touchdowns (tied for 13th) past season, Texas was among the top 15 Power Five teams.