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  • In the Pipeline | QB & RB

    CJ Vogel

    By CJ Vogel

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    Wanted to introduce a series for the week that will take us position by position on the Texas roster and how it stacks up for the 2024 season and beyond. We will begin today with the quarterback and running back positions, two of the deeper positions in the Texas program.

    For each position, we will take a look at what the expected look will be for the 2024 season then a peak behind the curtain for what the position will gain and/or lose beyond the upcoming season.

    Quarterback

    On Roster: Quinn Ewers, Arch Manning, Trey Owens

    Coming Soon: KJ Lacey

    For 2024: It was never any secret what the position was going to look like when word around Quinn Ewers started to turn towards No. 3 returning for another season in Austin. The job is his, but he is going to be pushed very hard behind the scenes by a redshirt freshman Arch Manning and the incoming freshman, Trey Owens. Texas is entering the SEC with a top five quarterback in the country and a more than capable QB2. 

    Beyond: Quinn Ewers is in the conversation for being the top quarterback off the board for the 2025 NFL Draft. Should Ewers depart, as is the consensus thought right now, Texas is expected to begin the Arch Manning era in Austin. The former No. 1 overall player in the 2023 class got a little taste of game action last fall where he had some 'wow' moments, but in very limited setting. KJ Lacey will join the fold as well, battling with Trey Owens for that QB2 role. I would expect to see Manning on campus for at least two years before departing for the NFL Draft.

    Running Back

    On Roster: CJ Baxter, Jaydon Blue, Savion Red, Tre Wisner, Christian Clark, Jerrick Gibson

    Coming Soon: 2025 commit(s), 2026 Raycine Guillory Jr. 

    For 2024: Talent is bountiful in the running backs room at the moment. Perhaps the deepest position room on the entire roster going into the 2024 season. The 1-2 punch of Baxter and Blue is very encouraging and figures to be a massive part of the Texas offense next fall. An extra year in the weight room should be noticeable for Baxter next year as he takes over the bell-cow role. The change of pace component in Jaydon Blue's game excites me; he possesses a level of speed that might not be matched by the rest of the room. Question is, what role does Savion Red play for the upcoming year? Can Tre Wisner scrap out a piece as well? Do the freshman lap anyone ahead of them? All good questions which we will get an idea about beginning in March.

    Beyond: Tashard Choice has set this group up to be in the conversation for the best running back room in the country. It is likely the Longhorns could  run back the same unit in 2025, with Baxter entering his draft eligible season and Blue coming back for his senior season. What then happens to the backs behind them? Regardless, Texas has two freshmen backs in Jerrick Gibson and Christian Clark that already have folks buzzing inside of the facility. Texas should not be dry of talent at the running back spot any time soon.

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    ArchMania

    I think one more year of Baxter in the weight room and nutrition schedule is going to turn out a monster. This position group is like last years WR’s group as the most reliable and deep unit in the program. OL might make an argument but this RB room is a strong 4 to 5 deep. 

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    Gerry Hamilton
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    38 minutes ago, ArchMania said:

    I think one more year of Baxter in the weight room and nutrition schedule is going to turn out a monster. This position group is like last years WR’s group as the most reliable and deep unit in the program. OL might make an argument but this RB room is a strong 4 to 5 deep. 

    He really does have Larry Johnson (Penn State and Chiefs) upside physically. 

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    Red Five
    3 hours ago, ArchMania said:

    I think one more year of Baxter in the weight room and nutrition schedule is going to turn out a monster. This position group is like last years WR’s group as the most reliable and deep unit in the program. OL might make an argument but this RB room is a strong 4 to 5 deep. 

    Baxter looked like a lab puppy last season. I think he's going to be extremely good.

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    Jerry K

    Stacked RB room no doubt. If I was being picky I would love to see a back in that room similar to Duece Vaughn. Short enough (5’ 5” or so) to literally hide behind the line of scrimmage but stout enough to tolerate the position. This type of back doesn’t seem to be what Sark looks for. 

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    codaxx
    1 hour ago, Red Five said:

    Baxter looked like a lab puppy last season. I think he's going to be extremely good.

    I agree about this. I do think people are over-valuing the RB room currently. Baxter and Blue are not finished products. I think you say that about the entire RB room. The potential is there, but I question the consistency. 

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    _everyoneshere

    Said this before about Savion Red; other than Redcat, believe moving him to slot/RB could be a spot for him. Possibly filling in JWhitt's shoes. Bolden/Golden may be the starters, but I can see Red in packages as slot being a bigger, more physical body taking down safeties to clear space downfield for Bond/Cook. Being disruptive on screens/sweeps/end arounds could suit him. He could be UT's Deebo or Tony Pollard, without expending Bolden/Golden or Baxter/Blue from their roles. 

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