Aug 72 min read

Longhorns Evaluate Their Backfield After Losing CJ Baxter

News has been spreading around the Forty Acres and beyond on Wednesday regarding Texas Longhorns running back CJ Baxter's knee injury, He's now gone for the season, putting Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian and his staff to work.

There's no doubt that losing Baxter, a 6-foot-1, 220 pound sophomore, hurts Texas' rushing attack. Orangebloods reporter Anwar Richardson was first with the news regarding Baxter's injury. Baxter suffered his injury during Tuesday's practice in Austin, Texas, and was checked out by the Longhorns' medical team, which discovered he tore his MCL and PCL.

Season-ending surgery awaits Baxter, surely making Texas' ground game a little less potent. “Texas sophomore running back CJ Baxter sustained a knee injury in practice on Tuesday, will undergo surgery and be out for the season,” according to a statement from the Longhorns' program.

Last season as a freshman, Baxter started in 6 games with 12 total appearances. He scored 5 touchdowns on 138 carries for 659 yards. He also provided Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers with another pass option, with 24 receptions for 156 yards on the season. Additionally, Sarkisian and his staff were hopeful that Baxter could pick up the slack caused by Jonathan Brooks' departure.

CJ Baxter's Replacements

Who will Sarkisian and offensive coordinator Kyle Flood look to pick up Baxter's slack? Keep your eyes on junior Jaydon Blue, according to On3. Last season, Blue scored 3 touchdowns while rushing for 398 yards. He also scored 1 receiving touchdown, with 14 catches for 135 yards.

Blue has appeared in 23 games while playing for Texas. He showed up in all 14 games last season, when Texas went 12-2, winning the Big 12 Conference. Of course, the Longhorns also earned a College Football Playoff berth, where they lost to Washington in the Sugar Bowl.

Another player who will be in the Longhorns' backfield is Quintrevion Wisner. His numbers weren't eye catching, if you will, with 1 touchdown and 73 total yards rushing. Still, the Longhorns will need any and all hands on deck.

Freshman Jerrick Gibson, who landed as the No. 59 overall prospect on the 2024 ESPN 300, has gained the attention of Sarkisian. So, look for Gibson to have some type of role on offense, too. Freshman Christian Clark might get some carries as well, either in key situations or mop-up time. Running backs coach Tashard Choice will have to spend time piecing together Texas' revamped backfield situation.

Texas' Potent Run Game

Speaking of Texas' rushing attack, they were among the top Power Five schools last season in a few categories. The Longhorns averaged 188.4 yards rushing per game, 5 yards per rush, and tied for 13th in rushing touchdowns.

Texas does carry a lot of hope, including hope for a national title, into this season. Longhorn fans are hungry to see Sarkisian continue to improve upon last season's record. Ewers has the QB1 spot locked down, but the ground game will need to be solid even with Baxter gone for the season. Texas opens its first FBS season in the Southeastern Conference on Aug. 31 by hosting Colorado State.

Come back to College Football Dawgs throughout the season for news regarding Texas Longhorns football.