Longhorns RB CJ Baxter Reveals Why He Committed To Texas

Texas Longhorns running back CJ Baxter said his choice to come to Austin came down to one major element.

Why did CJ Baxter commit to the Texas Longhorns? 

Surprisingly, it had nothing to do with Steve Sarkisian, the offensive game plan of the history of the Forty Acres. 

In a recent interview with the 3rd & Longhorn Podcast, Baxter said running backs coach Tashard Choice was the selling point to come to Austin. After watching the success of Doak Walker Award winner Bijan Robinson and stable No. 2 option Roschon Johnson, the decision became clear that learning under the veteran coach would benefit his career. 

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"We know what he does coaching wise on the field but my biggest thing with him was off the field," Baxter said. "When I talk to him, just in general he's a great dude. He's very genuine."

Choice, who joined the Longhorns staff from Georgia Tech, had a history of producing potent runners. Prior to his arrival at Alabama, Jahmyr Gibbs was coming off back-to-back seasons where he averaged 5.2 yards per carry.

Baxter, a native of Orlando, Fla., bulked and flourished over summer workouts and in fall camp. He became the first running back since Heisman Trophy winner Ricky Williams in 1995 to start as a true freshman in the first game of the season. 

Redshirt sophomore Jonathon Brooks eventually surpassed both Baxter and Jaydon Blue by Week 3, and went on to rush for 1,139 yards and 10 TDs before suffering a torn ACL against TCU in mid-November. With Brooks sidelined, Baxter was thrust back into the start role and produced, averaging 6.2 yards per attempt. 

Baxter credited Choice's guidance for his success and considered him closer to a family member than a coach. 

"Outside of my Dad and Grandad, he's probably the third-most important person in my life man-wise," said Baxter. "He's the whole reason I came here." 

Brooks is off to the NFL and the Longhorns are off to the SEC. Baxter was expected to be a rotational back in Year 1, but ended up bolstering his stat line while becoming a fixture for Sarkisian's play design. 

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Texas continues to pump out tailbacks set for the NFL. Baxter, who isn't eligible to declare until 2026, might be the first-round option for teams looking for more consistency on the ground. 

Baxter doesn't regret the choice to partner with Choice, and the Longhorns are profiting off the success entering a new era of football at Royal-Memorial Stadium.