Texas freshman Christian Clark has suffered a significant setback, tearing his Achilles tendon during practice, which will sideline him for the remainder of the season. This injury leaves Jaydon Blue as the only scholarship running back with notable experience as the Longhorns prepare to compete in the Southeastern Conference.
The university confirmed the news on Tuesday, emphasizing the impact of this injury on the team’s depth at running back. Just last week, Texas also lost CJ Baxter, a part-time starter in 2023, due to a knee injury sustained in practice, compounding the challenges facing the Longhorns.
Despite these setbacks, Texas is considered a strong contender for the SEC title and aims for a second consecutive College Football Playoff appearance in their inaugural season in the conference. The Longhorns are currently ranked No. 4 in the preseason AP poll and No. 3 in FOX Sports’ Ultimate 134 college football rankings curated by RJ Young.
[Related: RJ Young’s Ultimate 134 vs. AP Top 25: Alabama gets the ‘Saban bounce’]
Quarterback Quinn Ewers acknowledged that these injuries put his leadership skills to the test, highlighting the need for adaptability within the team.
Ewers has demonstrated his capability to challenge defenses with his mobility; last season, he averaged 5.5 yards per carry on 37 rushing attempts, converting 14 of those into first downs, according to Pro Football Focus. This versatility may become increasingly vital as the Longhorns navigate their upcoming schedule.
