The Texas Longhorns received unfortunate news on Tuesday as freshman running back Christian Clark is set to miss the entire 2024 season after suffering a torn Achilles tendon during practice. This injury, coupled with sophomore CJ Baxter already being sidelined for the season, has left Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian and running backs coach Tashard Choice with only three healthy scholarship running backs as they head into a season filled with high expectations.
With the depth at running back now critically thin, Texas must explore other options to bolster the position. Here’s a look at the potential solutions from within the team.
Redshirt Freshman WR Ryan Niblett
According to a report from On Texas Football on Tuesday, Niblett has already been getting some practice reps at running back following Clark’s injury. This move makes sense for multiple reasons: Niblett is currently outside the top six in the wide receiver rotation, and his high school experience as a ball carrier is valuable.
At 5’10” and 185 pounds, Niblett has the build of an all-purpose back, and his 10.58-second 100-meter dash speed makes him one of the fastest players on the team. His high school career at Aldine Eisenhower saw him excel in multiple roles, including running back, where he rushed for 469 yards and 14 touchdowns as a junior.
While it’s a lofty comparison, Niblett’s combination of size and speed draws parallels to former Texas A&M standout De’Von Achane, now with the Miami Dolphins. Although Niblett may not reach the same heights as Achane, his skill set could provide the Longhorns with a dynamic option in the backfield.
Senior TE Juan Davis
Davis is another player who has reportedly taken reps at running back this week. Competing for the H-back role, Davis has made the most of his increased practice opportunities, often working ahead of junior Alabama transfer Amari Niblack.
Davis’s background as a jumbo athlete in high school, where he rushed for 859 yards and 12 touchdowns as a junior, could make him an intriguing option in the backfield. At 235 pounds, Davis has the size and physicality to potentially fill a short-yardage role similar to that of former Longhorn Savion Red.
Senior WR Silas Bolden
Though smaller than Niblett, Bolden has a proven track record of making plays on the ground at the college level. Over the last two seasons at Oregon State, Bolden tallied 18 carries for 189 yards (10.5 yards per carry) and four touchdowns. Even before the injuries to Baxter and Clark, there was merit in creating packages for Bolden to work out of the backfield. Now, his versatility becomes even more valuable to the Longhorns.
Freshman WR Ryan Wingo
Wingo’s physical style as a bigger-bodied wide receiver earned him praise in high school, where he displayed running back-like abilities. However, Sarkisian noted earlier in camp that Wingo is still adjusting to his role as an outside receiver, making it unlikely that he’ll be asked to switch positions at this time.
Junior Walk-On RB Colin Page
Page has emerged as a promising walk-on option, impressing Sarkisian during Saturday’s scrimmage. The Anderson High School product rushed for 1,702 yards and 22 touchdowns as a senior in 2021, earning District 11-5A DI co-offensive MVP honors. At 5’11” and weighing around the same as freshman Jerrick Gibson, Page could provide valuable depth at the running back position.
Sophomore Walk-On RB Nik Sanders
Sanders, a 6’2”, 215-pound former high school quarterback, has shown impressive athleticism in practice. Though he’s also a catcher on the Texas baseball team, his future in football appears promising, particularly given his physical profile and speed.
Freshman Walk-On RB Reid Watkins
Watkins, a 5’11”, 195-pound freshman, held offers from several schools, including Houston and Navy, before choosing to walk on at Texas. His high school career featured 894 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns at Fort Worth All Saints, and his speed (4.52 40-yard dash) and agility make him a potential contributor.
As the Longhorns prepare for the upcoming season, Sarkisian and Choice will need to carefully consider these options to ensure they have the depth needed to compete at the highest level.
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