What does transfer Velton Gardner bring to the Texas RB room

With the Texas football home opener against Colorado State just days away, the Longhorns have added a late-night transfer in fifth-year senior running back Velton Gardner, a former Kansas Jayhawk and SMU Mustang.

The Longhorns' running back room has been hit hard by injuries, as both sophomore CJ Baxter and freshman Christian Clark suffered season-ending injuries. These two players were expected to make a significant impact in the Longhorns' backfield this season. Bringing in Gardner from the transfer portal adds valuable experience and speed to the team.

Velton Gardner brings experience to young Texas football RB room

It was announced in the late hours of Aug. 21 that Gardner will play his final year of collegiate eligibility at Texas via social media.

In 2019, coming out of Skyline High School in Dallas, TX, Gardner was ranked the 40th-best athlete and the 83rd overall prospect in the state. He committed to Kansas Jayhawks, where he played in 19 games, six starts, 127 carries, 519 rushing yards (4.1 yards per carry), and two touchdowns. Gardner also racked up 13 catches for 44 receiving yards.

In 2022, Velton transferred to SMU and had a strong season, recording 70 carries for 368 rushing yards (5.3 yards per carry) and one touchdown in eight games with one start. The following year, he built on that performance, rushing for 137 yards and one touchdown on 23 carries (6.0 yards per carry).

The Horns were to down three on-scholarship running backs, junior Jayden Blue, sophomore Quintrevion Wisner, and freshman Jerrick Gibson. However, coaches Sark and Tashard Choice added Gardner to the running back room.

Gardner brings valuable experience and solid production as a rotational back, having rushed for 1,024 yards and six touchdowns on 229 carries during his career with the Kansas Jayhawks and SMU Mustangs. While his numbers may not be starting-caliber, Gardner will provide quality depth and fresh legs as a complementary ball carrier. Having an experienced upperclassman mentor the young running backs could be highly beneficial.

It's the little things you do right that matter

The running back group all share a common trait - the potential for speed and big play ability, including Gardner. In his collegiate career, aside from the 2019 season, Gardener has averaged over four yards per carry and has demonstrated excellent ball security, never fumbling the ball.

Not only does he bring some more speed to the roster, but he also has over 100 carries in zone runs, which Coach Sark loves to do in his offense. While Gardner may not be the starting running back, he will still have a role on the team. Expect to see him contribute as a complementary back, making plays on Saturdays throughout the season.

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