247Sports predicts who will lead Texas in rushing in 2023

Heading into the 2023 season, Texas will have to replace two of the best players on their team from a year ago who both happened to play the same position. Running back duo Bijan Robinson and Roschon Johnson became one of the best tandems in all of college football, but are now in the NFL. Robinson, who won the Doak Walker award, was taken in the first round with the No.

8 overall pick by the Atlanta Falcons, while Johnson was taken in the fourth round by the Chicago Bears. The two combined for 351 carries, 2,134 rushing yards and 23 rushing touchdowns, while adding 33 catches for 442 yards and three touchdowns through the air. Replacing them will be a tall task, especially when you consider that none of the running backs on the roster have been a featured back at the college level.

However, they’ve each still flashed potential. 247Sports‘ Chip Brown projected the stat line of each running back at Texas that he thinks will get a carry. Let’s take a look at the main running back contenders and what he predicts for them.

Jaydon Blue Syndication: Austin American-Statesman Projected stat line: 22 carries, 90 yards, 4. 1 ypc, 1 TD Blue is expected to get the least amount of carries in the running back room, falling behind veteran Keilan Robinson and five-star freshman Cedric Baxter. Blue is talented in his own right, but with a backfield as crowded as this one he may not get the carries he would hope for.

Keilan Robinson Ben Queen-USA TODAY Sports Projected stat line: 25 carries, 96 yards, 3. 8 ypc Robinson wasn’t heavily featured in the rushing attack last season, and that is something that is expected to remain the same. However, he is one of the fastest players on the team, so they will make it a point to get him the ball in the passing game as we saw last year when he racked up the fourth most catches and hauled in three touchdowns.

Savion Red Daniel Dunn-USA TODAY Sports Projected stat line: 28 carries, 135 yards, 4. 8 ypc, 1 TD After coming to Texas as a gadget-like player that could play either receiver or running back, Savion Red was moved to running back this offseason. He provides another dynamic playmaker that can make an impact in the passing game, while also providing a physical runner.

CJ Baxter Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports Projected stat line: 93 carries, 520 yards, 5. 6 ypc, 6 TDs Baxter is projected to be in the Roschon Johnson role in 2023, as he will be the next man up behind Jonathon Brooks and will provide a great change of pace. Texas fans were spoiled with Roschon and Bijan, and now they will likely be spoiled with Brooks and Baxter.

Jonathon Brooks Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports Projected stat line: 230 carries, 1,288 yards, 5. 6 ypc, 14 touchdowns After waiting his turn behind both Robinson and Johnson, the Longhorns will turn to Johnathon Brooks to take over at running back. In limited action he showed a ton of flashes that resembled Robinson, and has many thinking he could be one of the most underrated players in college football.

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