Texas Football: Breaking down 5 immediate impact 2023 early signees

Cedric Baxter Jr., RB

There is already a clear-cut spot on the depth chart that the elite five-star Orlando Edgewater (FL) running back Cedric Baxter Jr. could occupy right away once he arrives on campus. The expectation from most is that Baxter will be able to split the first-team practice reps next offseason with redshirt freshman running back Jonathon Brooks.

Baxter is likely going to be enrolling early to participate in spring ball with the Longhorns. That will give him time to get adjusted to this offensive scheme and start occupying the role of the primary back over the next couple of years.

Baxter will ultimately be counted on the set the tone with his bruising style of running and quick first cut to hit the hole in the line. Essentially, he’ll be looked to provide a lot of what star junior running back Bijan Robinson did for the Texas offense in the last couple of seasons.

The 6-foot-1 and 215-pound Baxter already has the frame to take on a heavy workload against Power Five competition. He’s got the strength and lower-body miss to work through opposing tackles without much of an issue. And you’ll occasionally see him just truck an opposing defender while making it look pedestrian.

Andrew Ivins of 247Sports compares Baxter to Cinncinatti Bengals running back Joe Mixon if that gives you any idea of his tackle-breaking ability.

One of the most underrated parts of Baxter’s game, though, is the ability to turn on the burners once he hits the first hole in the line. Baxter can explode through the open lane to pick up yards in chunks. And that explosiveness can still translate to big plays.