When Jonathan Brooks went down for the season with an injury during Texas' win at TCU, many were concerned his departure would spell the start of the end for Texas' offense. Instead, the Longhorns surged thanks to the emergence of freshman CJ Baxter and sophomore Jaydon Blue.
As it turns out, one of the most respected voices in the game had been won over by Baxter far earlier.
As noted by On3, Alabama football coach turned ESPN pundit Nick Saban told Texas coach Steve Sarkisian (his former offensive coordinator) that he was particularly impressed by Baxter during Texas' win in Tuscaloosa during Week 2 of the 2023 season.
"I’m gonna alleviate some of your concerns because I know you’ve got seven wideouts that all can play,” Saban told Sarkisian, per On3. “I know you’ve got three quarterbacks that all can play. Baxter was the best running back I saw of any team, so you’re gonna be able to run the ball."
Baxter wasn't exactly prolific against Alabama, gaining a total of just 31 yards, but he was also nursing an injury. When he finally hit his stride in the season's latter stages, he was one of the tougher tackles of any running back in the college football bowl games and playoff.
Now, Baxter is the front man for an eight-deep running back room that just added a new member this week. He's expected to carry the load for the forthcoming season and remains confident he's headed for a future in the NFL.
If Saban's impression proves prophetic, all those promising futures may come true.
