Just under a year ago, freshman running back Christian Clark tore his Achilles' tendon and missed the entirety of the 2024-25 football season. Now, he is back in full force and is impressing coaches throughout the start of spring practices.
Now a redshirt freshman, Clark has stood out amongst the rest of the running back room and reportedly looked "'phenomenal' during the limited portions of practice he participated in over the last two weeks of spring ball," according to Orange Bloods.
Clark has returned after tearing his Achilles' just seven months ago and has reportedly created more buzz around him than other Texas running backs like sophomore CJ Baxter, who played throughout the past season.
Update: Christian Clark has looked "Phenomenal" during the limited portions of practice he participated in over the last two weeks of Spring Ball 👀
— Orangebloods.com (@orangebloods_) April 4, 2025
(A Source Told @AnwarRichardson)
"So far, more buzz surrounds @christian6clark than any other running back in that room." - Anwar… pic.twitter.com/MJCdGEe0qx
Last year, Texas was plagued by running back injuries, including Clark's torn Achilles and an injury that Baxter suffered prior to the season. Jaydon Blue, who declared for the 2025 NFL Draft, was the Horns' starting running back and carried a majority of the load throughout the season.
Now, Clark and Baxter are most likely vying for the starting job and look to help the Longhorns during their second season in the SEC.
Baxter, who was technically Texas's RB2 last season, earned 659 yards on 138 carries for five touchdowns. He also earned 156 yards through the air on 24 receptions.
Both Clark and Baxter have 148 days until the Longhorns kickoff their 2025 season against the Ohio State Buckeyes. While one might claim the starting role before the season begins, the RB1 can obviously change throughout the season.