A Ground Game Built on Power, Speed, and Relentless Efficiency
Under your leadership, the Texas Longhorns didn’t just run the ball—they set a standard for balance, explosiveness, and depth across the PML college football landscape. Led by sophomore standout CJ Baxter, Texas produced one of the most efficient and balanced rushing attacks in the country, mixing bruising downhill runs with perimeter quickness and quarterback mobility.
What emerged was a backfield that controlled tempo, complemented the passing game, and consistently delivered chunk plays when the offense needed them most.
CJ Baxter: The Engine of the Offense
12 Games • 182 Carries • 1,346 Yards • 7.4 YPC • 12 TD • 33 BTK • 385 YAC • Long 71
Every elite offense has a player who changes the geometry of the field, and for Texas, that player was CJ Baxter.
Baxter’s second season was a full leap into stardom—he became a true workhorse, a centerpiece, and arguably the most reliable producer on the entire roster. His 7.4 yards per carry reflected elite efficiency, but the deeper metrics showed an even more dominant picture:
- 33 broken tackles: elite contact balance
- 385 yards after contact: punishing finish to every run
- 10 runs of 20+ yards: home-run ability
- 112.2 rushing yards per game: top-tier consistency
Baxter was an elusive bruiser in the truest sense—big enough to run through defenders, slippery enough to evade them, and patient enough to make the right cut on zone and counter concepts.
The Value to Texas
Even on days when the passing game took time to settle, Baxter ensured the offense never stalled. When Murphy faced pressure or coverage tightened, Baxter provided the steady heartbeat that kept drives alive.
He’s not just an RB1—he’s the foundation of your offensive identity moving forward.
Martell Terry III: The Change-of-Pace Hammer
12 Games • 49 Carries • 306 Yards • 6.2 YPC • 5 TD • 11 BTK • 112 YAC • Long 41
While Baxter carried the bulk of the workload, Martell Terry III was the perfect complement—a downhill, high-energy runner who attacked defenses with a completely different style.
Terry’s 6.2 yards per carry in relief work demonstrated how dangerous he was whenever he touched the ball. Whether it was short-yardage, red-zone packages, or spells for Baxter, Terry ran with violence and purpose, breaking 11 tackles and delivering drive-sustaining runs throughout the season.
Role Definition
Terry emerged as:
- The goal-line specialist
- The tempo-changer when defenses needed a different look
- A reliable second option who could start for most programs
His five touchdowns were timely, and his physicality drained opposing front sevens late in games.
Maalik Murphy: QB Mobility as a Weapon
36 Carries • 224 Yards • 6.2 YPC • 7 TD • Long 37
While the quarterback rushing yardage often takes a backseat in season summaries, Murphy’s legs were a critical piece of Texas’ red-zone and third-down identity.
His 7 rushing touchdowns added a layer of unpredictability—defenders couldn’t sell out on Baxter at the goal line, nor could they ignore Murphy on rollout keepers or read-option looks. His 6.2 YPC showed that these weren’t just scrambles; they were well-integrated parts of the offensive plan.
Murphy’s mobility forced defenses to defend the entire width of the field—and directly contributed to Baxter’s explosive season.
Carrie Clark: The Flash of Depth
15 Carries • 82 Yards • 5.5 YPC • Long 15
Even in limited appearances, Carrie Clark showed the traits of an emerging rotational back. His vision and acceleration allowed him to carve out positive gains in almost every touch he received, proving that the Texas RB room wasn’t a one-two punch—it was a one-two-three ensemble.
Clark’s ability to come in cold and still produce at 5.5 yards per carry speaks to his readiness and fit within your scheme. Going forward, his role is likely to expand as he competes for more touches.
WR & QB Rushing Support
Several other players added situational contributions:
R. Wingo (WR)
2 Carries • 15 Yards • 7.5 YPC • 1 TD
Wingo’s involvement on jet sweeps and misdirection added a spark and kept defenses honest on the perimeter.
D. Williams Jr. (QB)
4 Carries • 3 Yards
Used primarily in controlled, end-of-game situations—a developmental piece gaining experience.
These touches weren’t frequent, but they showcased the creativity and adaptability of the offensive system.
Backfield Overview & Coaching Impact
Texas’ ground game thrived because of:
- Elite RB1 production from Baxter
- A physical and efficient RB2 in Terry
- A mobile, dual-threat QB presence
- Reliable depth when needed
- A scheme designed to exploit spacing and mismatches
This backfield wasn’t just productive—it was versatile, explosive, and consistent. Opponents couldn’t key in on one player, and that multiplicity was a direct reflection of your coaching philosophy.
2025 RB Room Grade: A
A nearly flawless unit top-to-bottom—with power, finesse, depth, and a true program star leading the way.
Looking Ahead
CJ Baxter returns as one of the most feared backs in the PML college league. Terry continues to grow into a thunderous complement. Clark and younger pieces offer insurance and future flexibility. The foundation is strong. The identity is set.
The only question now is:
How high can this rushing attack climb next season?
