Texas Football: 10 best running backs all-time for the Longhorns

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Hodges Mitchell, Texas Football Mandatory Credit: Stephen Dunn/ALLSPORT /

Honorable mentions

Jim Bertelsen (1969-1972)

One of the legendary Texas running backs that barely missed the cut in the top 10 on this list is the two-time All-SWC rusher Jim Bertelsen. Playing a critical role in the 1969 National Championship team for head coach Darrell Royal and the Longhorns, Bertelsen was a huge part of one of the better runs in program history.

Bertelsen wrapped up his collegiate career in 1971 with more than 2,500 career rushing yards (and more than 2,700 total yards from scrimmage), 33 rushing touchdowns, and an efficient mark of 6.1 yards per carry.

A.J. Jones (1978-1981)

Statistically speaking, one of the most underrated running backs in the history of this football program is A.J. Jones. This reliable and productive rusher was one of the best skill position players on some of the better Fred Akers teams for the Longhorns in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

Jones finished up his collegiate career in 1981 with more than 2,800 rushing yards (and 3,156 total yards from scrimmage), 4.5 yards per carry, 27 rushing touchdowns, 282 receiving yards, and one touchdown catch.

Hodges Mitchell (1997-2000)

Another underrated running back for the Longhorns in the last few decades is Hodges Mitchell. Although, it’s extremely unfortunate that Mitchell’s collegiate career ended the way it did with him suffering a tragic knee injury that essentially ruined his shot at making an NFL career for himself in the Holiday Bowl against the Oregon Ducks to round out the 2000 season.

Yet, Mitchell was extremely productive and gritty during his four seasons playing for Texas. He registered two straight 1,000 rushing yard seasons in his final two years in college. And he put up 2,664 career rushing yards in college, along with 20 rushing scores, 5.2 yards per carry, 743 receiving yards, and four touchdown catches.

Johnathan Gray (2012-2015)

The most recent honorable mention among running backs on this list to play for the Longhorns is the Texas high school football legend Johnathan Gray. As one of the all-time rushing leaders for the Longhorns, Gray was a steady and productive running back during his four seasons with this program.

He registered more than 2,600 career rushing yards, 4.5 yards per carry, 17 rushing touchdowns, 418 receiving yards, and one touchdown catch.

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