Mixed Bag for Texas: Big Commitment, Devastating Injury

© Mikala Compton/American-Statesman/USA TODAY NETWORK

Aug. 7 was a mixed bag for the Texas Longhorns. On the one hand, Steve Sarkisian and his staff landed a commitment from five-star wide receiver Kaliq Lockett. On the other, they suffered a significant blow when sophomore running back CJ Baxter suffered a season-ending injury.

Lockett, who hails from the Lone Star State, chose the Longhorns over Alabama, LSU, Oklahoma and numerous other top collegiate programs.

Baxter was a five-star recruit in Texas' 2023 recruiting class.

Kaliq Lockett Commitment

Scouting analysts from 247Sports describe Locket as a "[t]all, long-armed, physically gifted high-major receiver ... with ... limitless long-term potential." He stands 6-foot-2 and weighs 175 pounds. He has "enormous" hands and an extraordinary wingspan. He is a "[f]reaky ... athlete who can elevate, land on his feet and burst into full gait." Although he lacks the top speed of elite wide receivers, he is "plenty fast" and overwhelms prep-level opponents with his athleticism which is "frankly insane." He projects as an eventual early-round NFL Draft selection.

As a sophomore, Locket made 29 catches for 492 yards with five touchdowns. He dramatically ramped up those numbers as a junior in 2023, hauling in 59 receptions for 1,299 yards and 13 TDs, with a jaw-dropping average of 22 yards per reception. Notably, he received a significant number of varsity snaps as a true freshman.

Throughout his time in high school, Lockett has been a standout performer in track and field, excelling in long jump, triple jump and sprint relay events.

The primary member of the Longhorns' staff responsible for Lockett's recruitment is wide receivers coach Chris Jackson.

CJ Baxter Injury

Baxter was the Longhorns' projected starting running back for 2024. However, in practice on Aug. 6, he tore the LCL and PCL tendons in his right knee. After coming to Texas as the nation's top-rated RB prospect in the 2023 cycle, Baxter rushed for 659 yards and five touchdowns during his freshman campaign and saw time as the starting back. With Baxter out for the season, CBS Sports reports that the Longhorns will likely turn to Jaydon Blue to take over the starting RB role.

The Longhorns open their season with a showdown against the Colorado State Rams on Aug. 31 in Austin, Texas. The following week, they face off against the defending national champs in Ann Arbor, Mich.

Stay tuned to College Football Dawgs for continued reporting on the Texas Longhorns and other exciting college football news.