Texas football RBs CJ Baxter, Jaydon Blue learning pass protection as important as yards

Every running back who becomes a Texas Longhorn shares some similarities befitting a blue-blood football program that’s full of blue-chip recruits.

All have an extra gear in the open field, all have enough power to break through a flailing attempt at an arm tackle, and all have decent enough hands to haul in a swing pass out in the flat.

But can all of the running backs hold up when it comes to pass blocking? For a team that features a pro-style base offense designed by head coach Steve Sarkisian, that ability to recognize and fend off blitzes separates the former high school stars from the potential NFL players.

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Texas running back CJ Baxter takes a handoff from Arch Manning during Wednesday’s football practice at Denius Fields. Baxter says pass protection is an early focus during summer workouts.

“In order to get on the field, you’ve got to protect the quarterback,” said CJ Baxter, who’s expected to share the bulk of the carries in the backfield with Jaydon Blue this season.

Learning from a coach with experience

Fortunately for Baxter, Blue and the other running backs, Texas has a seasoned instructor in the art of pass protection. UT running backs coach Tashard Choice, a fourth-round draft pick by the Dallas Cowboys in 2008, spent six seasons in the NFL. He only tallied 1,579 yards rushing in that span but forged a solid career by mastering the subtleties of the position — starting with holding his own against any blitzing linebacker or safety.

Choice expects the same from his players. The ability to hold up in pass protection will not only help keep starting quarterback Quinn Ewers upright, but it will also heighten the NFL hopes for the Longhorns’ stable of backs.

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/texas-football-rbs-cj-baxter-231002866.html

Author : Austin American-Statesman

Publish date : 2024-08-02 23:10:02

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