Texas Football: Mid-season report card for every position
Running Backs
If another rusher would emerge for the Horns, the ground game could be among the best in the Big 12. Yet, since Texas football is relying on only true freshman Keaontay Ingram and senior Tre Watson at this point, the effeciency of the ground game has to be minimized more than expected at the beginning of the year.
Possibly the biggest disappointment of late is the play of sophomore running back Daniel Young. Coming off a nice finish to the 2017 campaign, including a more than 100 total yard and one touchdown performance in the Texas Bowl win over the Mizzou Tigers. Mop up duty against Tulsa and a few other touches here and there with little effectiveness have marked his second season.
But, Watson is having a huge impact after coming over from the Cal Golden Bears. Watson has two receiving touchdowns and is leading the Horns in rushing yards this year. Meanwhile, Ingram is one of the most elusive running backs that Texas had in a long time and racked up 293 rushing yards with two touchdowns on the ground so far.
The development of Ingram is huge and the versatility that Watson provides as a change of pace back is perfect for the state of the offense now. But, that could change when Texas faces a team like the Oklahoma State Cowboys or Texas Tech Red Raiders that has a very effective ground game.