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Texas Football: Is a big year ahead for Toneil Carter?

By Andrew Miller

AMES, IA - SEPTEMBER 28: Running back Toneil Carter #30 of the Texas Longhorns pulls in a touchdown pass over linebacker Joel Lanning #7 of the Iowa State Cyclones in the first half of play at Jack Trice Stadium on September 28, 2017 in Ames, Iowa. (Photo by David Purdy/Getty Images)
AMES, IA - SEPTEMBER 28: Running back Toneil Carter #30 of the Texas Longhorns pulls in a touchdown pass over linebacker Joel Lanning #7 of the Iowa State Cyclones in the first half of play at Jack Trice Stadium on September 28, 2017 in Ames, Iowa. (Photo by David Purdy/Getty Images) /
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After averaging nearly five yards per carry last year, to-be sophomore running back Toneil Carter could be in store for a nice season in 2018.

The situation surrounding the Texas football backfield is an interesting one to say the least. With so much attention given to the quarterback competition for the Longhorns this year, the running backs can easily be overlooked. However, there’s a lot of depth and pure talent in this stable of Texas running backs that can be tapped into.

A huge issue for the Horns is the offensive line play. For the ground game to be more effective this season, the line needs to play better to open up the entire field. If the line plays better, then the quarterbacks will have more room to find their targets in the passing game. Thus, more room would open up in the running game for players like rising sophomore rushers Daniel Young and Toneil Carter.

Most Texas fans assumed that Carter and Young would battle it out for the starting running back slot in the opening week of the regular season. Yet, the transfer of senior Tre Watson threw a wrench into those hopes for both Carter and Young.

An incoming freshman four-star running back in Keaontay Ingram adds more competition for carries in this offense too. Yet, neither Watson nor Ingram has proven they can handle the load for Texas yet. Watson has more than enough proven experience with the Cal Golden Bears, but that’s a completely different offense than the one run under Texas head football coach Tom Herman.

Last season, Young capped things off nicely with some impressive performances at the end of the regular season and into the postseason. Carter did show some flashes too, but he was more effective early in the 2017 campaign.

Carter actually led the Horns’ rushers in yards per carry last season at 4.8. But, then true freshman quarterback Sam Ehlinger actually led the entire team in rushing yards. It was nice to see Young and Carter get at least 4.5 yards per carry each when it was all said and done.

The projected starter at the beginning of the 2017 campaign at running back in Kyle Porter flatlined, posting less than 3.5 yards per carry. Carter and Young were able to step up and pick up the pace a bit.

If Carter can find that pace he was performing at in wins over the Baylor Bears and San Jose State Spartans last season, he’ll see a nice breakout season coming in 2018. He had at least 55 rushing yards and one touchdown in both games, all while averaging more than 9.0 per carry on both occasions.

Next: Why Texas will be better than OU this year

The potential in this backfield, with multiple four and five-star talents is good for Texas fans to think about. Now, the running backs and offensive line have to see some progression on the field this fall. Carter will be a huge part of that progression in what should be a big year for him.

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