Grand Statistics: Robinson, Worthy could both record 1,000-yard seasons
The last time Texas had a 1000-yard rusher and 1000-yard receiver in the same season was 2003, when Cedric Benson and Roy Williams both eclipsed four figures for the second year in a row.
Two Longhorns on the 2021 squad could replicate that feat. Running back Bijan Robinson has rushed for 789 yards through six games, putting the 24th 1000-yard season by a Texas rusher (and first since D’Onta Foreman’s in 2016) well within reach.
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Regarding the receiving yards milestone, freshman Xavier Worthy has tallied 531 yards on 25 catches. His numbers were boosted by a nine-catch, 261-yard performance against Oklahoma that has him halfway to the 1000-yard mark in his first season at Texas.
Robinson’s production has been consistent since his breakout performance against Kansas State late in the 2020 season. He has rushed for over 100 yards in eight of his last ten games, and this year has showed the penchant for the spectacular he showcased against Colorado in the 2020 Alamo Bowl. He’s averaging 131.5 rushing yards per game, which would put him on pace to eclipse not just the 1000-yard mark, but the 1500-yard mark in a 12-game schedule.
Worthy’s per game average is an impressive 88.5 yards, but only three of his games have ended with his receiving yardage total above 80. TCU held him to one catch for seven yards, while he had just three catches for 75 yards across the first two games.
More performances like the ones he put on versus Texas Tech and Oklahoma could help him record the 11th 1000-yard season by a receiver in program history, and first ever by an underclassman, let alone by a true freshman.
Since Williams and Benson each put up four-figure production in 2003, the following selection of schools have featured offenses with at least one 1000-yard rusher and one 1000-yard receiver.
Oklahoma: 2008, 2010, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018*, 2019
Oklahoma State: 2003, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2016, 2017
Baylor: 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016
TCU: 2003, 2015
Texas Tech: 2015
*Two 1000-yard rushers, two 1000-yard receivers
While other factors such as moribund offensive philosophy, constant coaching turnover, and years of general instability in the program since the late 2000s certainly contribute to Texas’ struggles, the data above provides some explanation as to why various Longhorn coaching staffs have seen their fair share of struggles recruiting offensive skill players.
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Plus, the prevalence of running back rotations in the modern game contribute toward Texas’ lack of a dynamic duo. Benson was the epitome of a bell cow back and Williams was the top target at wide receiver. The NFL thought similarly as both Benson and Williams were top ten picks.
In 2008 and 2009, Texas had only one rusher in either season top 500 yards. In 2014, 2018, and 2019, running back committees limited the opportunity for a single back to reach 1000 yards, with Keaontay Ingram’s 853 yards in 2019 coming closest to the mark.
Nobody at Texas is likely complaining about the lack of 1000-yard rushers in 2008 and 2009. There were plenty of other problems that afflicted the 2014 team, and the committee approach explains 2018 and 2019.
But in recruiting, sometimes it is as simple as if a program can check a box. Texas has not checked the box that would indicate a balanced and prolific offense to high schoolers since Mack Brown’s Longhorns beat Nick Saban’s LSU Tigers to end the 2003 season.
With a sophomore star like Robinson and a true freshman like Worthy excelling and putting up gaudy statistics, Texas’ chance to have that selling point in recruits’ living rooms has dramatically increased. The on-field product improves thanks to their play, too.
Plenty of football, six games at least, remain for Robinson and Worthy to put up statistics an offensive-minded head coach like Steve Sarkisian would love to mention to members of the classes of 2022, 2023, and 2024.
If they are able to do it, they’ll be in rare company by Longhorn football standards.
