Texas coach Steve Sarkisian believes this is the deepest team he’s assembled in three-plus seasons with the Longhorns. It’s already getting stress tested at running back.
Less than two weeks before the season opener, the fourth-ranked Horns are trying to determine how to reshuffle the running back rotation after losing starter CJ Baxter to a knee injury and freshman Christian Clark to a torn Achilles in training camp.
At the moment, junior Jaydon Blue is the projected starter. He rushed for 398 yards and scored three touchdowns last season in addition to catching 14 passes for 135 yards.
Texas has only two other scholarship options — sophomore Quintrevion Wisner and freshman Jerrick Gibson. Wisner had 12 carries for 73 yards and one touchdown last season. Gibson, from IMG Academy in Florida, was considered the state’s second-best running back last season, according to 247Sports.
Who’s available this late?
But who’s out there on the transfer market? Sarkisian said Monday that “we don’t want to take a body, to take a body. But if it’s someone that can help us in some capacity, maybe limited role, bigger role, whatever that is, we are looking at all options that way.”
During Saturday’s scrimmage, the running backs practiced with “thud” tempo, meaning defenders were allowed to wrap up. But the ballcarriers were not taken to the ground.
Bubble wrap isn’t an option, unfortunately.
“I've spoken to one of the cats that got injured,” defensive back Jahdae Barron said. “I just told him, kind of within life, you go through things, and I told him just to lean on God and not your own understanding. Everything’s gonna be okay. It's His plan.”
Baxter will need season-ending surgery, the school announced, after tearing ligaments in his right knee. Last season, he was the first true freshman to start a season opener at UT since Ricky Williams did it in 1995. Baxter would later be sidelined with a rib injury, opening the door for 1,000-yard rusher Jonathon Brooks, who is now with the Carolina Panthers.
Clark was rated the third-best prospect in the state of Arizona by Rivals. The 6-foot, 210-pounder ran for 1,890 yards and 24 touchdowns his last three seasons at Phoenix Mountain Pointe high school.
Still a 50-50 balanced offense?
Quarterback Quinn Ewers said the running back room needs to be more positive than ever going forward. That shouldn’t be too hard with running backs coach Tashard Choice, one of the most energetic individuals you’ll ever encounter.
“We have guys who are going to be more than capable stepping up and filling up those roles,” Ewers said.
The running back injuries have sparked questions about whether Ewers would be forced to run more himself. Perhaps. But that’s not his strong suit. Ewers averaged 1.3 rushing yards per attempt last season and tallied 59 yards all year. He’s a true pocket passer.
“Ultimately, I'm just trying to do whatever I can to help this team win football games,” Ewers said. “So if that means I need to run more then so be it.”
Sarkisian has said repeatedly that he strives for a balanced 50-50 offensive attack. Thus, it’s unlikely the Horns are going to become more pass-happy over the run.
Who’s going to be shouldering that load? The season opener is Aug. 31st, so we'll find out soon.
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