Texas RB Christian Clark tears Achillies, out for 2024 season

Texas running back Christian Clark tore his Achilles during practice on Monday, meaning he will miss the entire 2024 season. The official announcement was made on Tuesday, adding to the depth problems the Longhorns are set to have at running back this year.

Projected starter CJ Baxter is also projected to miss the season after suffering a knee injury. Clark was expected to see an increased role in the offense but will now watch from the sidelines.

“Texas freshman running back Christian Clark sustained a torn Achilles tendon in practice on Monday, will undergo surgery and be out for the season, UT confirms,” Justin Wells of On3’s Inside Texas said via X.

Clark joined the Texas program this past spring but was not expected to contribute much during the 2024 season. However, when Baxter went down with his knee injury, Clark was a candidate to receive more touches alongside Jaydon Blue. Tre Wisner and Clark’s fellow true freshman Jerrick Gibson would have to step up as well.

Joe Cook of Inside Texas spoke on the potential Clark brings to the Longhorns, comparing him to another program great from the state of Arizona.

“The players they have from this 2024 class both enrolled early,” Cook said. “And one of them is Christian Clark … I know people probably want to think oh, a great talented running back from Arizona. Well, it’s Bijan Robinson again … There’s only one of him. But there are some smooth capabilities that they both bring to their game.”

Clark played high school football at Phoenix (AZ) Mountain Pointe, where he was a four-star prospect. He was the No. 335 overall recruit in the 2024 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

Running back depth is beginning to run thin on the 40 Acres, maybe causing some position changes on the roster. Head coach Steve Sarkisian said “We’re looking at some different options and we’re looking at it creatively” when discussing the matter during his Monday press conference.

Texas has a few more weeks of fall camp before beginning the 2024 season at home against Colorado State. Week 2 will be one of the year’s biggest early tests, traveling up North to face off against Michigan. The Wolverines have one of the top defensive fronts in all of college football, giving Sarkisian and his run game a sincere challenge.