Texas has developed a virtual conveyor belt of top running backs in recent years. Following the 2023 selections of backfield mates Bijan Robinson (first round) and Roschon Johnson (fourth), the Longhorns again contributed the top running back selection in the 2024 draft when Jonathan Brooks, pictured above, was taken in the second round.
That success has lit a proverbial fire under the superstar running back recruit who now leads the running back room in Austin. Sophomore CJ Baxter -- who took over starting duties at running back following Brooks' injury -- was in attendance at Brooks' NFL Draft party, and was genuinely moved by the experience:
That, ladies and gentlemen, is what motivation sounds like. Among the most choice cuts from the Coach 'Em Up Podcast:
"I went to Jonathan (Brooks' ) draft party. We were in the same room. I seen what he did to get where he got. I saw what he went through last year. For him to get his name called?
"When they called his phone, and to see them on the screen draft him. I called my Dad right after, and I said, 'I'm going to the NFL. I'm getting drafted. There's no way I don't,' because the amount of excitement it puts on your face and your family's faces? It's crazy. Literally the craziest thing I've ever seen."
Baxter's motivation should be unsurprising given the drive he showed in his true freshman season. The former 5-star recruit finished with 659 yards and 5 touchdowns despite splitting time with Jonathan Brooks and fellow former superstar recruit Jaydon Blue.
In fact, his inclusion at and the impression left by Brooks' draft party is a testament to the clear sense of camaraderie shared within the running back room. Baxter and Brooks entered the season considered rivals for carries. By the end of it they were friends pulling for each other and their teammates, held together by running backs coach Tashard Choice, who has emerged as a hugely influential coach, recruiter and developer of top-end talent.
What did Choice think of Baxter's motivation and premonition following Brooks' draft party?
"I texted Coach Choice, 'I gotta get there. Get me there.' He said, 'It's coming, two more years. Let's work.'"
Let's work indeed. With preseason practices less than a month away, it's almost time to truly get started.
