Texas Longhorns Head Coach Steve Sarkisian is considering adding a running back from the transfer portal to address depth concerns following season-ending injuries to sophomore CJ Baxter and freshman Christian Clark. With just one available scholarship and less than two weeks before their season opener against Colorado State, the Longhorns are exploring their options.
During the recent scrimmage, Sarkisian kept junior Jaydon Blue and sophomore Tre Wisner in non-contact jerseys, highlighting the team’s limited depth at the running back position. Currently, only three scholarship running backs remain healthy. Tashard Choice, the running backs coach, and Sarkisian are assessing all possibilities, including transfers, to fill the gap.
Sarkisian acknowledged the challenge of finding quality players at this late stage in the season, noting that any addition would likely be a graduate transfer rather than a traditional transfer. The priority is to find a player who can contribute meaningfully rather than simply adding another body to the roster.
Texas has been closely monitoring the transfer portal since Clark’s injury, hoping that running backs from Fresno State or Utah State might become available due to recent coaching changes at those schools. However, Fresno State avoided any significant departures after Tim Skipper stepped in as the interim head coach, and Utah State also retained key running backs Rahsul Faison and Robert Briggs Jr., despite losing their top rusher, Davon Booth, to Mississippi State.
The current pool of uncommitted running backs in the portal presents challenges, as many carry baggage that has prevented them from securing spots on other teams. The top available player is Red Martel, who left Kansas after a year without receiving a carry. Other notable names include Demarkcus Bowman, a former five-star recruit who struggled to make an impact at Clemson, Florida, and UCF, and Tre Bradford, who has transferred multiple times and faced eligibility issues.
Another option for Texas could involve adding a non-scholarship player from a lower level, similar to their acquisition of punter Daniel Trejo from Texas Wesleyan two years ago. However, such players may not offer a significant upgrade over the current walk-ons, such as freshman Red Watkins, who received offers from several smaller programs.
Ultimately, Texas may opt to rely on their existing roster to address their running back depth issues, as the available transfer options may not provide the desired impact.
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