Sports appeals to fans and athletes all over the world because you can always get up and try again, no matter how many times you lose. This attitude animates Texas Football running back CJ Baxter as he reflected on what his team needs to do to reach the promised land. Losing 37-31 to the No. 2-ranked Washington Huskies in the 2024 Sugar Bowl remains fresh in Baxter and the Longhorns, but the promising RB is ready to put it behind him and push his team over the hump.
CJ Baxter on last season with Texas Football
Asked about his opinion on the team's present situation, Baxter acknowledged their success last season but expressed his wish to go further.
“We got far last year but we all know we didn't end it how we wanted to,” Baxter said to reporters during training camp. “Around here in the building, we all know that.” Moreover, he recognized how the team's past failures informs how they deal with the future.
“We all know how it feels to get that far and not come out on top,” he added. “We don't like to dwell on the past, but it's in the back of our mind.”
Texas football's new season
It might be tough to overcome the sting of defeat, but the Longhorns are in a good position to reach their goals. Texas Football went into the 2024 Sugar Bowl ranked No. 3 in the nation, and they went toe to toe with the Huskies in the first half, matching firepower with firepower. Texas and Washington entered the half tied 21-21.
However, the Huskies returned energized for the second half, as Heisman Trophy finalist Michael Penix Jr. tore through the Texas defense. By the end of the game, the Huskies quarterback and eighth overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft had thrown for 430 yards and scored two touchdowns to win the game and advance past the College Playoff semifinal.
As the top-ranked running back of the 2023 recruiting class, CJ Baxter played 12 games for the Longhorns last season and started six. He had taken over the role of starting back after Jonathan Brooks suffered an injury, which extended into the Big 12 Championship game onto the College Playoff semifinal versus the Huskies. Due to his play, Baxter earned an honorable mention as an All-Big 12 running back. He finished second on the team in rushing, having run for 659 yards and an additional 156 receiving yards.
Additionally, as a freshman, Baxter earned an impressive 74.4 offensive grade and a 74.5 running grade from PFF. In his second season with Texas Football, Baxter looks to gain an expanded role as RB1 under the offense of head coach Steve Sarkisian.
Follow Us
Subscribe