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Steve Sarkisian lists players who won't be full participants in Texas football spring practices

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CJ Baxter
CJ Baxter (Will Gallagher/Inside Texas)

The Longhorns lost the services of several key players at various points in the 2024 season, and many of those key cogs are still recovering from injuries that will affect their availability for spring drills Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian said on Monday.

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Sarkisian said the following players won’t participate fully in spring practices: CJ Baxter, Derek Williams, DeAndre Moore, and Colton Vasek.

It’s safe to assume Christian Clark is in their company following his Achilles injury.

In 2023, Baxter rushed 138 times for 659 yards and five touchdowns. He was lost for the 2024 season when he suffered a knee injury during training camp.

“I don’t know the exact date,” Sarkisian said about Baxter’s return. “What I know is he’s on a really good progression. He’s had no setbacks. He looks good. He’s in really good spirits. So all those things are positives right now.”

Williams played in four games and tallied 11 tackles, an interception, and a forced fumble before his season ended during the Oklahoma game. Williams had started ahead of fellow safety Andrew Mukuba prior to the injury.

Moore’s injury is not clear. Last year, he caught 39 passes for 456 yards and seven touchdowns.

Vasek had offseason shoulder surgery. Last season, Vasek tallied seven tackles with 2.5 for loss and 2.0 sacks.

Clark, like Baxter, was lost for the season in preseason camp.

Sarkisian was pleased by Clark’s progress in his recovery on Monday and made sure to make a public note of the Arizona product’s rehab efforts, though he didn’t specifically say whether Clark would be available for drills or extended physical activity during the spring. A return to football activities seven months after a torn Achilles would be a medical marvel.

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“I’m encouraged by Christian Clark and where he’s at in his rehab, of how far along he is,” Sarkisian said. “I’m actually surprised.”

Those were the only players mentioned by Sarkisian.

“We’ll have some other guys that will be limited in spring, especially early on, but will grow into full participation,” Sarkisian said.

Spring football will start for Texas the week of March 24 with practice No. 1 falling on March 25.

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