Longhorns 'Big Winners' on Recruiting Trail After NFL Draft
With five players drafted in the 2023 NFL draft the Texas Longhorns had a strong bounce back showing just one year after they went without a single player selected in 2022.
Not only is having multiple players drafted indicative of Steve Sarkisian turning around the culture in Austin, but it also allows the Longhorns to go on the recruiting and show recruits that coming to Texas will help them get drafted.
This is especially true at the running back position where Longhorns running backs coach Tashard Choice has brought some elite talent to Austin. After the duo of Bijan Robinson and Roschon Johnson were drafted in the first four rounds, Steve Wiltfong of 247Sports highlighted what it means for Texas' ability to recruit the position.
"Position coach Tashard Choice isn’t just a terrific developer of talent," Wiltfong wrote. "He’s a hellacious recruiter that landed five-star Cedric Baxter Jr. in the 2023 class, has the Longhorns leading on the 247Sports Crystal Ball in the 2024 class for top-ranked back Jerrick Gibson, and also has the Burnt Orange in prime position for another coveted player at the position in Christian Clark."
While losing Robinson and Johnson will be difficult for Texas, the running back room still has its fair share of talent. Jonathon Brooks, Jaydon Blue, and Keilan Robinson all return with experience at the college level while receiver convert, Savion Red, has received countless praise throughout the offseason so far.
However, perhaps the most exciting back in the room is freshman CJ Baxter, another elite running back who landed with Choice's recruiting prowess. If Baxter can translate his talent to the college level then in a few years he could be the next first-round back for the Longhorns.
Winning on the field impacts recruiting, so as the Longhorns continue to improve under Sarkisian the recruiting will continue to improve as well. Not only that, though, but the more players they get drafted will show recruits that coming to Texas is a legitimate path to the NFL.
You can find Connor Zimmerlee on Twitter @Connorjz98
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