Texas Reinforces Backfield Depth with Graduate Transfer Velton Gardner

It's been a rough couple of weeks for Texas in the backfield as starting running back CJ Baxter and true freshman Christian Clark have both suffered season-ending injuries. However, the Longhorns addressed those depth concerns on Wednesday night by adding graduate transfer Velton Gardner.

A three-star prospect in 2019, Gardner played three seasons at Kansas and two at SMU. He has logged a career 229 carries for 1,024 yards and six touchdowns.

Texas was set to rely on largely unproven depth this season at running back, so Gardner will be a welcome addition.

Junior Jaydon Blue will still spearhead the Texas rushing attack as the lead back. He finished with 65 carries for 398 yards and three touchdowns last season and chipped in 14 catches for 135 yards and a score.

It's unclear how the depth behind Blue will shake out as sophomore Quintrevion Wisner and true freshman Jerick Gibson will also have an opportunity to contribute.

Texas opens its season with a home game against Colorado State on Saturday, August 31, at 3:30 PM EST.