College football is a tough sport played by tough kids and it turns them in to men. Along the way there is pain and sometimes players get hurt, badly.
During practice, running back CJ Baxter suffered a season ending knee injury. Baxter is one of the star backs and an important part of Texas’ offense.
The next day after practice coach Steve Sarkisian addressed the media and made these opening remarks.
“Obviously we got some unfortunate news coming out of practice the other day was Cedric Baxter being lost for the season. I hate it for the kid. The same way I talked about Liona Lefau the other day, if you polled our team, who were the top three teammates on our team, Cedric Baxter would be in that top one, two or three as well.
And, as much as we love him for the player that he is, we love him more for the teammate that he is … our thoughts and prayers are with him. We’re encouraged by all the doctors that he’s going to make a really healthy recovery, and we’ll have him back for next season. So, again, from our perspective, you know, we’ll be OK.”
In 2023 as a freshman, CJ Baxter played 13 games, rushed 138 times for 659 yards, five touchdowns, and averaged 50.7 yards per game.
Baxter recorded his first 100-yard game against Iowa State with 20 carries for 117 yards, plus is a member of the Big 12 Commissioner’s Honor Roll for the Spring 2023.
Additionally,, Baxter became the first true freshman running back to start for Texas since Ricky Williams in 1995.
Horns Up to Baxter for a speedy recovery.
Baxter will continue to be an impactful player for the team and be a source of leadership and encouragement to the team and players as he recovers and builds for next season.
photos Don Bender / Horns Illustrated
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