Offseason inventory: A look at Texas' running backs

There are no two ways about it, with the departures of Bijan Robinson and Roschon Johnson Texas is losing as much leadership as production at running back. Not to belabor the obvious losses, but Robinson was the rare back who often ran for more than the play was blocked. Johnson’s no nonsense running style often moved the pile, converted short yardage, or inspired teammates. The duo combined for over 2100 yards on nearly 350 carries for an average of 6.0 yards per carry. They also tallied 26 total touchdowns and 33 receptions.

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All that written, there’s still a path for a more overall productive, efficient, and consistent offense if quarterback, wide receiver, and offensive line play make realistic improvements that aid the run game. 

Texas won’t lack for talent at running back. Throw Jonathon Brooks’ high school ranking out the window. That ranking was always curious but we’ve seen enough to know he has natural running back traits with good burst. Texas also signed the best running back in the country in Cedric Baxter. Running back is a position where it’s fair to expect early contributions, especially when they’re as physically mature as Baxter. At a minimum Keilan Robinson will reprise his role as more of a gadget, receiving back. Jaydon Blue is a young, but talented back with elite speed for the position. 

Numbers are light, talent is not.

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RS SO Jonathon Brooks

Though he’s unproven as a week in, week out volume back, Brooks has an exciting skillset. He possesses great feet, lateral agility, initial burst and vision. The vision allows him to slash through tight lanes that are quickly closing. There’s a subtle slitheriness to his style that makes him difficult to tackle. 

Long speed was the main question about him coming out of high school but he made a couple of explosive plays this season, including the touchdown reception in the Alamo Bowl. Though he largely played in mop up time, his 6.0+ yards per carry average was in line with Robinson and Johnson. 

This offseason he’ll need to continue to add good weight in order to protect him for injury and give his short yardage chances more punch. 

Insider notes on Brooks are consistently positive, both about his ability and leadership qualities. Numerous sources have predicted him as the offensive breakout candidate for 2023.

SR Keilan Robinson

Robinson may not profile to being a volume back but he does a lot of things well. He led the running backs with 20 receptions, showing more reliable hands than the previous season. He’s also a stalwart on special teams. While the focus is often on him as a ball carrier, there’s more value add than he’s given credit for.

Given the absence of Robinson and Johnson in the Alamo Bowl, Steve Sarkisian clearly made a concerted effort to get Robinson more involved. This was very possibly a reminder to Robinson they have bigger plans for him this upcoming season. The first experiment didn’t go well against the Huskies, however Robinson has shown good power and elite speed in the past on traditional carries.

It’s not hard to picture Robinson carving out a consistent ‘third down’ sort of role in which he’s just as likely to receive a screen, swing, or dump off pass as he is to run it.

SO Jaydon Blue

Blue received solid reviews for his ability in practice. Much of that centered around his above average speed at the position. Given the depth chart he didn’t get many carries this season, but he has impressed in the practice setting. Along with his speed he has above average hands. 

If Blue continues to work and put his trust in the coaches he’ll earn more carries, but Brooks will get a lot of his snaps as a runner and Robinson will get a lot his snaps as a receiver. His time will come, though, if he sticks to the plan.

FR Cedric Baxter

Baxter’s physical maturity and rare speed at his size give him a chance to hit the ground running in Austin. There will be the usual quirks for a freshman running back to overcome — ball security, blitz pickup, and understanding where his running lane is supposed to be or where it might be if the primary lane isn’t there. Fortunately he’s an early enrollee and his college development has already started.

Running back is one of the easiest positions to make an immediate impact and Baxter has the look of an impact freshman. Absent an addition, he’ll likely get the call for the ‘tough yards’ the offense will often find itself needing.

FR Tre Wisner

Wisner is not on campus yet and will likely need a year to physically develop. He’s similar to Robinson and Blue as equal parts receiver and running back. His speed and ability in the open field is sure to translate, but he needs to bulk up for carries between the tackles.

Summary

If things play out to the positive, the Texas offensive line and passing game will improve, making it easier for Brooks and Baxter to become a highly productive duo. Throw in some big play ability from Robinson and there’s a path for this to be a quality platoon. Perhaps Blue plays a larger role than I currently project as well. 

There is potential downside, however. In my opinion Texas is a little thin at the position. Only two players project as pure volume backs and both are inexperienced and unproven on a college workload. A player who adds some size and experience to the room would make a lot of sense, if that player comes available.

I really like what the staff has to work with, but I’m a little apprehensive about what they’re missing.