Analyzing the running backs' performance during the Texas spring game

Quarterbacks drew plenty of attention in Texas’ Orange-White game on Saturday, but when head coach Steve Sarkisian says he operates a “run first” offense, the performance put on by the running backs has significant implications for Texas’ fortunes in the 2023 season.

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The Longhorns will see 87 percent of their 2023 rushing production selected in the upcoming NFL draft. Plus, on Saturday, the two players who were responsible for most of the remaining 13 percent were limited in their opportunities. Jonathon Brooks had two carries for four yards, while Keilan Robinson did not dress to play.

That meant sophomores Jaydon Blue and Savion Red, plus early enrollee CJ Baxter, received the lion’s share of ground game touches on Saturday.

What did Sarkisian want to see from his backs?

“What we’re always looking for is consistency,” he said Saturday. “Are you running it where it’s supposed to go? Can you create those explosive plays? Can you take care of the football? All three of those things I think, so far, we’re seeing. I think they’re getting more comfortable, especially in the open field making guys miss.”

The two teams combined for 152 yards on the ground during the Orange-White Game, with the backs fighting for carries behind Brooks and Robinson turning in good showings. Blue, Baxter, and Red had 30 of the 53 total carries, and 30 of the 39 non-QB rushes.

For the White team, Blue had 10 carries for 52 yards and a score, a 31-yard scamper that saw him break several tackles and run tough all the way to the end zone. His day featured tough running that portends well for a player most often characterized as an outside runner.

“He’s a really elusive player out of the backfield,” Sarkisian said Saturday. “He’s great with short-area quickness, making people miss in tight quarters. The thing that we’ve been working on with him from last year to this year is, one, taking care of the ball, how important the ball is for him especially when you’re not as big as other guys. Two, you’re not always going to get those touchdown, big runs like that. You’ve got to find ways to get 4-5 dirty yards sometimes and live to fight another day.”

Baxter toted the rock 11 times for 28 yards and a short touchdown, seen below. He ran behind mostly first-string blockers on his scoring play versus a D-line with several starters backed by several walk-on linebackers.

Baxter, who rarely had to run behind zone blocking schemes in high school, made several smart reads on Saturday. His vision is on display in the following play. Baxter recognized a defender in the gap where the play was intended to go, bounced it outside, then made a quick cut upfield to complete his longest run of the game.

Orange’s Red received nine carries for 45 yards, including a 21-yard rush, and showed natural ability as a running back even after a season spent in the wide receiver room. Red was one of the players who drew significant praise over the course of the spring both from Sarkisian and from teammates for his physicality and progress made at a new position.

Red was helped by walk-on Ky Woods, who showed good burst during his five carries for 21 yards.

If the scout team RB1 has this type of burst, then the work the defense does against Ky Woods on Sun-Fri will lead to positive results on Sat pic.twitter.com/0Vueq3BDFV

— Joe Cook (@josephcook89) April 16, 2023

Brooks, who was limited during the spring due as the result of a sports hernia surgery, and Robinson, who was out for much of the 15 spring practices with what Sarkisian called a groin issue, are sure to factor into the running back race once they return to form.

Blue’s touchdown score represented the most explosive play offered by anyone in Tashard Choice’s position group on Saturday. Though Sarkisian would like more, the backs ran hard and picked up the yardage available during the Orange-White Game.

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It was a showing that indicated progress, but also that there’s more left to achieve over the course of the summer and preseason. It also showed there is no shortage of available options for Sarkisian and Choice, with several players in the room with growth to be made.

While there may not be a player the quality of Bijan Robinson or Roschon Johnson in the group this year, the ability to make up for their loss in the aggregate is something Texas has with the players available.

Whether that’s something Sarkisian utilizes remains to be seen as it’s not a strategy he’s employed in the past. But all in all, the backs put a good foot forward on Saturday ahead of a telling offseason for the position.