What Steve Sarkisian said about his running backs heading into UTEP

Texas has operated in an odd situation with its running backs since the start of 2024.

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It was simpler beforehand. Bijan Robinson was the best in the nation, and Roschon Johnson was as good a two as you could ask for at the position. Then, in 2023, Jonathon Brooks took his first year, starting all the way to being the first RB drafted in the 2024 NFL Draft. Next to him was freshman CJ Baxter, who eclipsed 600 rushing yards in his first year in the program.

Heading into 2024, it was assumed Baxter would take a large leap into stardom as the lead back. An injury changed those plans, thrusting Quintrevion Wisner into the lead role with Jaydon Blue acting as a great change-of-pace speedster. This room was okay, but it lacked consistency in big games.

Now in 2025, Texas is entering its third week without a lot of known entities in this running back room.

Wisner would be the closest thing to that, but he’s now expected to miss his second game in a row with a leg injury. Baxter has been healthy to start the year, but is there still something missing in his explosiveness and reliability long-term?

Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian was asked about his running back room yesterday and said this about the place it currently stands:

“I think (for) the running back position, at any level, it’s really important to continue the development of players that really aren’t getting the bulk of carries in-game,” Sarkisian said. “Because, as we all know, injuries can occur. Guys get forced into action. You’ve got to make sure that you’re prepping and preparing those guys.”

Sarkisian was alluding to what his plans are for tomorrow’s game against UTEP, where he’s expecting to play four different running backs, three of whom aren’t primary ball carriers: Baxter, Christian Clark, Jerrick Gibson, and James Simon.

“I thought it was really good for Christian Clark to get in there last week,” Sarkisian said. “I think an opportunity for him to watch the tape, see the tape, and then get back to practice this week to make sure he’s running to his style.”

Clark’s debut wasn’t quite what you’d hoped for from a player we see as one of the most explosive and talented on the roster: 7 carries for just 21 yards, and a lack of decisiveness made it hard for him to stand out. As Sarkisian alluded to, it seemed like he needed to readjust to what makes him an effective runner going forward.

Sarkisian didn’t use the talented true freshman Simon against San Jose State, but in a game that’s seen as an even easier matchup, Simon will likely have the chance to get a few carries later in the second half.

“I’m looking forward to hopefully seeing James Simon this week,” Sarkisian also said. “He’s been working very hard.”

Lastly, Sarkisian addressed Gibson’s fumble last week and what it means for him going forward.

“As far as Jerrick goes, I hated it for him last week because he’s really worked at the ball. He’s a physical runner; he’s not afraid of contact. It was a great punch-out,” Sarkisian said. “We’ve got to continue to work with him because we’re going to need him. He’s gonna be an asset for us. His physical running ability is going to be something we need as the season progresses.”

You heard it directly from Sark: Gibson isn’t in the doghouse just yet.

He made a good point—it was a good punch-out from former Longhorn Larry Turner-Gooden on the fumble, and Gibson ran hard and with physicality in his carries on Saturday. Though the fumbles continue to be a worry with Gibson, it’s clear that he’s both a talented runner and carries a skill set the rest of the backs lack.

Sarkisian is going to give all four of these players run, but the focus will be on Clark and Gibson. Can Clark raise the ceiling of the run game and maximize his opportunity in game two of his career, and can Gibson continue to play hard while keeping the ball out of harm’s way?

Texas has two games to figure this room out before a bye week and the start of the SEC schedule, just around the corner.