SAD NEWS: Texas  Football Confirmed the Departure of Another Experienced Talent…

SAD NEWS: Texas Football Confirms Departure of Another Experienced Talent

Former Texas Longhorns running back Savion Red has transferred to the Nevada Wolfpack, joining new head coach Jeff Choate. Choate, who was previously the co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach for the Longhorns, took over at Nevada recently.

Savion Red’s Transfer Details

After spending nearly two months in the NCAA transfer portal, the 5’10”, 240-pound Red decided to leave Texas following the spring practice. He has two seasons of eligibility remaining.

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Red’s Background and Recruitment

Red, a consensus three-star prospect from Grand Prairie, was part of the 2022 recruiting class. He was ranked as the No. 1,414 player nationally and the No. 107 athlete according to the 247Sports Composite rankings. Initially committed to SMU, Red received an offer from Texas in late November 2021 and signed with the Longhorns on Early Signing Day, turning down other offers from Kansas and Mississippi Valley State.

In high school, Red showcased his versatility by playing quarterback, running back, and wide receiver. He was named District 8-6A MVP in 2021, demonstrating his skills by completing 70-of-138 passes for 857 yards and seven touchdowns, rushing 157 times for 1,367 yards (8.7 ypc) and 20 touchdowns, and catching 10 passes for 128 yards and one touchdown. Additionally, he punted 13 times, returned six punts, and blocked a field goal.

Red’s Career at Texas

Red began his career at Texas as a wide receiver, catching six passes for 34 yards in nine games as a true freshman. However, with Texas improving its depth at the wide receiver position, Red transitioned to running back last spring. Initially serving as the fifth-string running back, an injury to starter Jonathon Brooks allowed Red to rise on the depth chart. His role expanded as he took snaps as a Wildcat quarterback, converting 6-of-9 short-yardage opportunities and scoring a touchdown against Houston. Over the season, he carried the ball 30 times for 131 yards, with a standout performance against Texas Tech where he rushed for 72 yards on nine carries.

Spring Developments and Transfer Decision

During spring practices, Red reported at 240 pounds, up 26 pounds from his listed weight in 2023. Head coach Steve Sarkisian noted that the staff wanted him to lose some of the excess weight. Additionally, Red faced increased competition from sophomore Tre Wisner and new recruits Jerrick Gibson and Christian Clark. These factors contributed to his decision to enter the transfer portal.

Texas Players in the Transfer Portal

Red was one of 10 Texas players to enter the portal during the spring transfer window. Currently, only edge Kris Ross and linebacker S’Maje Burrell remain uncommitted.

Red’s move to Nevada under Jeff Choate marks a significant change in his career, and it will be interesting to see how he adapts and contributes to his new team.