Steve Sarkisian praises backup RB Tre Wisner

Texas received devastating news earlier this week as starting running back CJ Baxter will be sidelined for the 2024 college football season after suffering a knee injury during practice.

Third-year player Jaydon Blue is expected to take over the backfield in Baxter's absence, but three other players could see significant playing time. At this point, No. 2 on the depth chart is anyone's for the taking.

Sophomore Tre Wisner and true freshmen Jerrick Gibson and Christian Clark are the three most likely to be tasked with a bigger role in 2024 following Baxter's injury. Wisner is currently listed as the backup running back behind Blue, and Sarkisian feels confident in his ability.

"Tre's a baller. We saw the physicality Tre possessed last year on special teams. He was a demon on special teams for us. He's a really versatile player. Even going back to high school, Tre was all over the field," Sarkisian told the media on Thursday.

As a true freshman in 2023, Wisner appeared in all 14 games totaling 12 rushes for 73 yards and one touchdown. He primarily made his presence felt on special teams, recording seven tackles.

Gibson, a former five-star prospect, is the favorite to battle Wisner for the backup role.

Related: Texas RB CJ Baxter out for season after suffering knee injury