Texas Football: 3 players that shined in final week of spring practice

CJ Baxter Jr., RB

The name we’ve heard the most about at the running back position this spring for the Longhorns is the true freshman early enrollee CJ Baxter Jr. The No. 1 ranked running back recruit in the nation in the 2023 class had a stellar run this spring with the Longhorns, proving that he is ready to be an immediate impact player out of the backfield this fall.

A practice report from Inside Texas’ Eric Nahlin on April 14 (paid content) mentioned that redshirt sophomore running back Jonathon Brooks and Baxter “are the most complementary duo of the five potential starters” at the position. That’s pretty indicative of where the running back depth chart stands near the end of spring ball.

I will say that I’ve seen conflicting reports and discussions as to whether Baxter, Red, or Brooks was the best at the position in the final two practices of spring camp this week. What I can say, though, is that Baxter performed well enough in practice in the last couple of weeks to even get some first-team practice reps at running back ahead of guys like sophomore Jaydon Blue and even Brooks at times.

A true freshman isn’t getting first-team reps ahead of returning talented backs in spring camp in Sark’s program without making a big impression in the weeks prior.

Baxter has made a big impression on the coaches and his teammates with his physical running style, field vision, acceleration, and even his ability as a receiver out of the backfield. He’s looked the part of a potential All-Big 12-caliber running back in his first year on campus. And it’s worth noting that he’s only got better and better as camp progressed.