Texas adds SMU transfer running back Velton Gardner ahead of season

With CJ Baxter and Christian Clark suffering season-ending injuries, Texas has turned to the transfer portal to add depth at running back.

The Longhorns landed a commitment Wednesday night from SMU running back Velton Gardner. The grad transfer did not enter the portal until July, five months after he had announced plans to enter. A former Kansas transfer, the 5-foot-9, 189-pound tailback has rushed for 1,024 career yards and six touchdowns.

A sixth-year senior, he’s carried the ball 229 times in his career and now gives the Longhorns another option. The news comes after Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian mentioned earlier this week he was evaluating the transfer portal.

“We are,” Sarkisian said. “We definitely have a spot that we can utilize. Again, a lot of times this late in the game, it’s probably not a traditional transfer, maybe more of a graduate transfer, something of the sort. So we’re looking at all of our options there.”

Gardner checks those boxes and will help provide depth for a room missing Baxter and Clark.

Baxter is out for the year due to a torn LCL/PCL on his right leg suffered during practice. The sophomore was coming off a strong offseason and was earning high praise from NFL scouts inside the building visiting the Longhorns. Recovery time is six to nine months. A former five-star recruit, Baxter rushed 659 yards on 138 carries with five touchdowns in 2023.

Clark tore his Achilles last week and will also miss the season. Just a true freshman, when Baxter went down with his knee injury, Clark was a candidate to receive more touches alongside Jaydon Blue.

Velton Gardner will now be expected to contribute to the Texas running game this season. He played in 18 games with SMU, logging 505 rushing yards and two touchdowns.

“If it’s someone that can help us in some capacity, maybe limited role, bigger role, whatever that is, we are we are looking at all options,” Sarkisian said.