JD PicKell evaluates the state of Texas running back room after losing Bijan Robinson, Roschon Johnson

Texas is taking a big hit on the offensive end next season, losing both Bijan Robinson and Roschon Johnson. To make matters worse, the duo comes out of the same position room. You would think Steve Sarkisian would be scrambling for replacements but the Longhorns are in a good spot.

On3’s J.D. PicKell explained, saying Texas should still be able to run the ball this season. Quinn Ewers will be called on more often but Sarkisian cannot completely abandon the run game. If there is one question in Austin, it’s — who will wind up receiving the most carries?

“I think it’s solid,” PicKell said. “I don’t have reservations as to whether they will be able to run the football. I just kind of wonder who is going to be that bell cow?”

There are five names Texas has at its disposal this season. Jonathon Brooks and Keilan Robinson are the most experienced of the bunch, taking most of the snaps during the Alamo Bowl. Jaydon Blue is entering his second season on campus, while former five-star prospect CJ Baxter is a newcomer.

And then there is Savion Red, who played wide receiver last year. Red could be viewed as a do-it-all type of back and bring versatility to be position.

Last season, Robinson was the guy for Texas. PicKell does not believe there will be one singular guy Sarkisian calls upon. Different situations will dictate who is sent onto the field.

“I don’t know if you are going to have a guy be far and away the bell cow like Bijan was or like Roschon Johnson was,” PicKell said. “I do think Keilan Robinson will carry a lot of the load and I think CJ Baxter, short yardage, will be a guy as well.

“The good news is, it’s going to be by committee. You’re going to have fresh legs, you’re going to have a lot of backs that can do a lot of different things.”

Fans in Austin are used to seeing Robinson put up absurd stats on the board. Even if one guy emerges as the main back, PicKell does not expect to see a 1,000-yard rusher for Texas. And that’s okay.

They’re going to have a lot of options,” PicKell said. “Options are a good thing. Just because you won’t see one guy with 1,000 yards at the end of the year, doesn’t mean Texas didn’t run the football very effectively.”