JD PicKell: Texas running backs must step up to fulfill 2023 potential

On3’s JD Pickell has been breaking down some of the offseasons biggest stories in college football during spring practices. And one of his most intriguing storylines is how will the Texas Longhorns fill their Bijan Robinson-sized hole at running back. On a recent episode of The Hard Count, PicKell explained why it is critical that the Longhorns find a solution to that problem.

“Now, the running back room is very, very crucial,” said PicKell. “It’s very, very crucial because what you want to do offensively at Texas is predicated on the RPO scheme. You have to be able to run the football to effectively execute Steve Sarkisian‘s offense.

“You remember the bowl game? Roschon Johnson, no Bijan Robinson. And so what did Texas do? They aired it out like it was a Delta Airlines flight. They were throwing that thing all over the yard. At times it worked, but the majority of the game, they just looked out of sorts. Why? Because they didn’t have their bread and butter. They weren’t able to run the football; they were unbalanced. And as good a quarterback as I think Quinn Ewers can be, you still don’t have what you need at the running back position to execute effectively.”

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To replace the production of Robinson will be a challenging task for Texas. There is a reason why he is widely considered the best running back prospect in the 2023 NFL Draft. Robinson was a nightmare for opposing defenses, not only running the ball but also catching the ball out of the backfield and when lining up as a receiver. Last season Robinson had a monster year rushing for 1,580 yards on 258 attempts and 18 touchdowns. He also had 19 receptions for 314 yards and two receiving touchdowns.

Texas has a ton of talent, and it will all soon be on display during their upcoming spring game. But according to PicKell, someone needs to step up, and that would be the perfect time to do so.

“So in the running back room, who’s able to sort of separate themselves in this game? You got a lot of options: Cedric Baxter, one of the freshmen they have been raving about. Savion Red transitioned from running back to receiver; he’s made some waves. Also Keilan Robinson, Alabama transfer, he’s looked solid so far in the limited action we’ve seen from him.

“Does somebody sort of stake their claim as RB1? I think it’ll be by committee, but you would love to see somebody sort of establish themself in this game.”