Nick Saban, the former coach of Alabama, was impressed by Texas Longhorns running back CJ Baxter the previous season.
In last season’s historic 34-24 road victory over Alabama, the Texas Longhorns took a double-digit lead after a five-yard rushing touchdown by Jonathan Brooks and never looked back.
During that game and beyond, former Alabama coach Nick Saban had his sights set on another member of Texas’ backfield, even though Brooks would go on to be selected in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft this past April.
During SEC Media Days, during an interview with Texas coach Steve Sarkisian for SEC Now, Nick Saban acknowledged that CJ Baxter of the Longhorns was the best running back he had seen in college football the previous season.
Baxte Texas Longhorns running back CJ Baxter (4) carries the ball against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the first quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium on September 9, 2023, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA. Please provide the name and email address of John David Mercer, USA TODAY Sports.
According to On3, Saban said to Sarkisian, “I’m gonna alleviate some of your concerns because I know you’ve got seven wideouts that can all play.” “I am aware that you have three quarterbacks with playing ability. You will be able to run the ball since Baxter was the best running back I saw on any team.
Following Brooks’ season-ending ACL tear in the Longhorns’ victory over TCU, Baxter and Jaydon Blue combined to form a potent duo that carried the team to the Big 12 Championship and College Football Playoffs.
In addition to 24 receptions for 156 yards and five touchdowns, Baxter finished his first campaign in Austin with 138 carries for 659 yards.
Texas takes face Colorado State at home on Saturday, August 31 to kick off the season.
