TLDR: Honey, the Texas Longhorns sure do have a heritage of producing top-notch running backs, and this ain’t something us fans take lightly. With Jonathon Brooks now wearin’ Carolina Panthers colors after an absolutely smackin’ season where he racked up 1,100 yards and 10 touchdowns—even missin’ those last four games—it’s fair to say Texas knows how to grow that NFL talent. In his absence, the Longhorns didn’t just sit around lookin’ pretty; our offensive talents really shone through, averaging over 200 yards rushing per game in them final few showdowns. Now, sugar, we’ve got CJ Baxter, the sophomore from Orlando who ain’t just big in size at 6’1 and 218 pounds, but big in talent too, our crowned jewel from them 2023 recruits. We’re talkin’ 5.3 yards per carry while fillin’ in Brooks’ shoes, which is as impressive as a peacock on a farm. Pair ‘im with Jaydon Blue, another spry youngin whose last four games lit up like a Louisiana sunset, you got a duo that’s stronger than Creole gumbo. With 240 vacated rushin’ attempts and young talents like Tre Wisner and Jerrick Gibson ready to jump into action, the Longhorns’ runnin’ back room is anythin’ but empty. Anticipation is brew’n in the hearts of us Longhorns fans, and mighty hearts they are, expectin’ nothin’ short of Texas’ glory days.

When it comes to running backs, Texas Longhorns have been setting trends in college football, y’all. With Jonathan Brooks now a Carolina Panther, we look back and acknowledge that the Longhorns have always nurtured NFL-grade talent. In his remarkable sophomore year, Brooks scooted for 1,100 yards and 10 touchdowns, despite missing those crucial last games. This hiccup, however, turned out to be a blessing in disguise for Coach Steve Sarkisian and his crew, giving them room to showcase new talents ready to fill Brooks’ big old boots.

The Longhorns saw their offensive stats shine during Brooks’ absence, showcasing talent that’s as promising as sweet tea on a hot summer day. The team managed an impressive over 200 rushing yards per game, a statistic that would’ve placed them just shy of Power Five’s top 10 teams if stretched across a season. Rising star, sophomore CJ Baxter, grabbed this golden opportunity running with 5.3 yards per attempt—outshining his own 4.5 YPC from earlier games. Baxter came with high expectations, being the 247Sports’ No.1 running back recruit, and let me tell you, he ain’t lettin’ anyone down.

Meanwhile, another young buck, Jaydon Blue, made his mark. After Brooks’ injury, Blue showcased his speed and knack for seizing opportunities, proving an invaluable asset to the lineup. In the final four games, Blue ran wild for 231 yards on just 36 carries, more than ready to compliment Baxter’s skills. The Texans have the makings of college football’s most formidable duo in them two, lending credence to hopes of restoring the glory seen in the Lone Star State football lore.

With Brooks’ move to the NFL and some talented prospects like Savion Red gone, the Longhorns face 240 vacated attempts just beggin’ for fresh legs. Tre Wisner is poised for a prime spot next season, with an eye-catching spring performance while his speed promises an edge. Also enter Jerrick Gibson, promising us fans another round of Florida-bred talent. Even without Brooks, y’all, these runnin’ backs sure offer a shining beacon of hope and promise for the Texas Longhorns.