Texas Longhorns RB CJ Baxter reveals why he committed to Texas.
Texas Longhorns running back CJ Baxter said his decision to come to Austin was based on one major factor.
Why did CJ Baxter commit to the Texas Longhorns?
Surprisingly, it had nothing to do with Steve Sarkisian, who has the most successful offensive strategy in Forty Acres history.
In a recent interview with the 3rd & Longhorn Podcast, Baxter stated that running backs coach Tashard Choice was the selling point for coming to Austin. After seeing the success of Doak Walker Award winner Bijan Robinson and consistent No. 2 option Roschon Johnson, it was clear that learning from the veteran coach would benefit his career.
“We know what he does coaching wise on the field but my biggest thing with him was off the field,” he said. “When I talk to him, he’s a really nice guy. “He is very genuine.”
Choice, who joined the Longhorns from Georgia Tech, had a track record of producing strong runners. Jahmyr Gibbs had just finished two seasons averaging 5.2 yards per carry before joining Alabama.
Baxter, a native of Orlando, Fla., grew and thrived during summer workouts and at fall camp. He became the first running back since Heisman Trophy winner Ricky Williams in 1995 to start the season’s first game as a true freshman.
Redshirt sophomore Jonathon Brooks eventually surpassed both Baxter and Jaydon Blue by Week 3, rushing for 1,139 yards and 10 touchdowns before tearing his ACL against TCU in mid-November. With Brooks sidelined, Baxter was thrust back into the starting lineup and delivered, averaging 6.2 yards per attempt.
Baxter credited Choice’s guidance for his success, describing him as more of 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,” Baxter said. “He’s the whole reason I came here.”
Brooks is off to the NFL, while the Longhorns are off to the SEC. Baxter was expected to be a rotational back in Year 1, but he ended up improving his stats and becoming a fixture in Sarkisian’s play design.
Texas continues to produce NFL-ready tailbacks. Baxter, who is not eligible to declare until 2026, could be a first-round pick for teams looking for more consistency on the ground.
Baxter does not regret partnering with Choice, and the Longhorns are benefiting from the success of a new era of football at Royal-Memorial Stadium.