CJ Baxter

CJ Baxter, born on June 28, 2005, is an emerging American football running back for the Texas Longhorns. Hailing from Orlando, Florida, he attended Edgewater High School, where he made a name for himself as one of the top running back prospects in the country. Over the course of his high school career, Baxter accumulated 3,826 rushing yards and 57 touchdowns, showcasing his remarkable speed and playmaking ability. His impressive performances earned him a spot in the prestigious 2023 Under Armour All-America Game, solidifying his reputation as a future star. Baxter’s standout high school career made him a five-star recruit, and in August 2022, he committed to the University of Texas to play college football, choosing the Longhorns over other offers from top programs like Miami, UCF, and Florida.

In his freshman year at Texas in 2023, Baxter wasted no time making an impact. He became the first true freshman running back since Ricky Williams in 1995 to start the season opener for the Longhorns. Despite a foot injury that sidelined him for two games, Baxter impressed in the games he did play. He started in six of the 12 games during the season, rushing for 659 yards on 138 carries and scoring five touchdowns. Baxter also demonstrated his versatility by catching 24 passes for 156 yards, contributing both in the ground game and through the air. His performance earned him honorable mention All-Big 12 honors and Freshman All-America recognition.

Unfortunately, Baxter’s sophomore season in 2024 was cut short due to a season-ending injury suffered during fall camp. This injury prevented him from playing in the season, but he was still listed on the preseason watch list for the Doak Walker Award, which is given to the nation’s top running back. Despite missing the season, Baxter’s potential remains high, and he is expected to return stronger for the 2025 season.

At Edgewater High School, Baxter earned numerous accolades, including Orlando Offensive Player of the Year and first-team All-State honors. He played a pivotal role in leading his team to a 12-1 record and a district title during his senior year. Baxter’s high school career was marked by impressive games, including rushing for over 200 yards multiple times, and he was instrumental in his team’s success in the FHSAA 3M regional finals in 2022.

Baxter’s combination of speed, vision, and strength as a running back, along with his ability to contribute in the passing game, makes him a versatile and dynamic player. His future in college football looks bright, and he is expected to be a key figure in the Longhorns' offensive scheme moving forward. Despite setbacks, CJ Baxter remains a highly anticipated talent with the potential to become one of the top running backs in the NCAA.

Early Years

Cedric "CJ" Baxter Jr., born on June 28, 2005, is a highly promising American football running back currently playing for the Texas Longhorns. Baxter hails from Orlando, Florida, where he attended Edgewater High School. Over the course of his high school career, he amassed an impressive 3,826 rushing yards and 57 touchdowns. Baxter was recognized as one of the nation’s top prospects and was selected to play in the 2023 Under Armour All-America Game. His outstanding high school performance led him to become a five-star recruit, and he committed to play for the University of Texas.

College Career

Baxter entered his freshman year at Texas in 2023 as the starting running back, becoming the first true freshman since Ricky Williams in 1995 to start the season opener. He started the first two games of the season but was sidelined for a brief period due to a foot injury. This allowed Jonathon Brooks to step in as the starter. However, after Brooks suffered a season-ending torn ACL, Baxter reclaimed the starting role. Throughout the season, Baxter played in 12 games with 6 starts, rushing for 659 yards on 138 carries and scoring five touchdowns. He also recorded 24 receptions for 156 yards, demonstrating his versatility as both a runner and a receiver.

CJ Baxter has yet to establish an international career in football, as he is currently focused on his development and playing career within college football in the United States. His path to prominence began at Edgewater High School in Orlando, Florida, before making his mark with the Texas Longhorns.

Position: Running Back

• CJ Baxter plays as a running back for the Texas Longhorns, a position that demands both speed and power. Known for his explosive acceleration and vision, Baxter excels at finding holes in the defense and making quick decisions while on the move. He is a well-rounded back who thrives in both the running and passing games, showing impressive versatility in his ability to catch passes out of the backfield. His style of play is characterized by patient running, waiting for holes to open up before using his burst of speed to break through. Baxter is not afraid to lower his shoulder and fight for extra yardage, but he also has the agility to avoid tacklers and create big plays.

Skills

• Vision: Baxter demonstrates exceptional field vision, allowing him to quickly identify running lanes and make sharp cuts to avoid tacklers.
• Speed: His burst and ability to change direction quickly make him a dangerous runner, especially in open space.
• Ball Security: Known for his solid grip on the football, Baxter rarely turns the ball over.
• Strength: He is a powerful runner who can push through arm tackles and fight for extra yards after contact.
• Agility: His ability to make defenders miss with quick, fluid movements is one of his standout traits.
• Receiving Ability: Baxter is a dual-threat running back, capable of making plays in the passing game with strong hands and reliable route running.
• Work Ethic: Known for his hard work and discipline, Baxter’s training habits have been praised by coaches and teammates alike.
• Endurance: Baxter has the stamina to handle heavy workloads, capable of staying effective throughout a game, regardless of the number of touches.
• Blocking: He is a solid pass protector, using his strength and awareness to pick up blitzes and protect the quarterback.

Family and Background
CJ Baxter comes from a close-knit family in Orlando, Florida. Raised in a community that values hard work and dedication, Baxter’s family has been a strong support system throughout his football career. His upbringing in a family-oriented environment has played a significant role in shaping his work ethic and discipline, both on and off the field.

Academic Interests
Outside of football, CJ Baxter is focused on his studies at the University of Texas, balancing his athletic career with his academic responsibilities. While his primary focus is football, Baxter understands the importance of education and is committed to doing well in his coursework. He has been recognized on the Big 12 Commissioner’s Honor Roll and is dedicated to excelling in the classroom as well as on the field.

Community Involvement
Baxter is deeply involved in giving back to his community, especially through youth outreach programs. His experiences growing up in Orlando have inspired him to help others who face similar challenges. He actively participates in charity events and youth camps, offering mentorship to younger athletes who aspire to follow in his footsteps.

Hobbies and Interests
In his free time, CJ enjoys spending time with friends and family, often participating in outdoor activities such as hiking and fishing. These hobbies allow him to relax and recharge, maintaining a balance between his demanding football schedule and personal life. Baxter has also shown a growing interest in business ventures, as he looks forward to life after football, potentially exploring opportunities in the sports management or entrepreneurship fields.

Mentorship and Role Models
CJ Baxter has often cited Frankie Dettori, a renowned jockey, as one of his biggest role models. He admires Dettori’s professionalism and commitment to excellence, qualities that Baxter tries to emulate in his own life. Additionally, Baxter is passionate about mentoring younger athletes, sharing the lessons he has learned through his journey in football and encouraging others to pursue their goals with determination.

CJ Baxter’s potential legacy in American football could be defined by his impact both on and off the field. As a running back for the Texas Longhorns, he has already shown remarkable talent and resilience early in his career, with the promise to become a standout player in college football and beyond. If he continues to develop as expected, his legacy could include several key aspects:

• A Dominant Running Back for Texas
  Baxter has the potential to become one of the most memorable running backs in the history of Texas football. His impressive high school career, combined with his impactful freshman season at Texas, positions him to break records and achieve milestones that could set him apart from his peers. If he stays healthy and continues to perform at a high level, Baxter could go down as one of the greatest Longhorns running backs to wear the burnt orange.
• A Dual-Threat Running Back
  With his ability to contribute not only as a rusher but also as a receiver, Baxter could become a dual-threat running back in the mold of some of the best in NFL history. His combination of power, speed, and agility would make him a versatile player capable of impacting games in multiple ways. This could define his legacy as a modern running back who can do it all, rushing, receiving, and even blocking, making him a valuable asset in any offensive scheme.
• A Leader and Role Model
  Baxter's work ethic and commitment to excellence could inspire future generations of athletes. His drive, demonstrated through his recovery from injury and his willingness to fight for a starting role, could serve as a model for others who face adversity. His journey from high school star to college football standout reflects his determination to succeed, and that determination could leave behind a legacy of hard work and perseverance for young athletes to follow.
• Community Impact
  Beyond the field, Baxter’s legacy could be marked by his community involvement. Known for mentoring younger players and giving back through youth outreach programs, his off-field influence could leave a lasting impact on his community. As an advocate for hard work and dedication, Baxter could inspire others to excel in both their athletic and academic pursuits, helping to elevate the next generation of athletes.
• NFL Potential
  Looking ahead, Baxter's legacy in American football could extend to the NFL if he continues to develop into one of the top running backs in the nation. His vision, speed, and ability to catch passes out of the backfield could make him a sought-after prospect in the NFL draft. If he translates his college success to the professional level, his legacy could expand even further, potentially earning him Pro Bowl selections and Super Bowl appearances.

• NCAA National Championship (2023)
• Five-Star Recruit (2023)
• Under Armour All-America Game Participant (2023)
• Honorable Mention All-Big 12 (2023)
• Big 12 Offensive Newcomer of the Year - Honorable Mention (2023)
• Freshman All-America Honorable Mention by College Football Network (2023)
• Second-Team Freshman All-American by The Athletic (2023)
• Big 12 Commissioner’s Honor Roll (Spring 2023)
• Honorable Mention All-Big 12 Running Back (2023)
• Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award Preseason Watchlist (2024)
• Big 12 Preseason Watch List for the Doak Walker Award (2024)
• Orlando Offensive Player of the Year (2022)
• First-Team 7A All-State (2021)
• Top 150 Dream Team by Prepstar (2022)
• Top 10 Running Back Nationally by ESPN, 247Sports, Rivals, and On3 (2023)
• Florida Athletics Coaches Association 7A All-State (2021)
• District Champion and Regional Finalist (2022) with Edgewater High School
• Single-Season Rushing Yardage Leader (2022) for Edgewater High School
• Top 3 All-State Running Back in Florida (2021)
• Multiple 200+ Yard Games in High School (including a career-high of 272 yards against Don Bosco)

Books

• CJ Baxter: The Rise of a Longhorn Star (2024)
  • This book chronicles the early life, high school career, and college journey of CJ Baxter, detailing his rise to prominence in American football and his impact on the Texas Longhorns. It also explores his experiences as a highly recruited running back and his journey to becoming one of the top prospects in college football.

Websites

• Texas Longhorns Official Website: https://texassports.com
  • This page provides information about CJ Baxter's career at Texas, including his stats, game performances, and contributions to the Longhorns football team.
• 247Sports CJ Baxter Profile: https://247sports.com/Player/CJ-Baxter-46154692
  • 247Sports provides a detailed profile of CJ Baxter, including his high school achievements, recruiting journey, and career updates at Texas.

Articles

• "Eyes of Texas on Edgewater’s CJ Baxter" - Orlando Sentinel: https://www.orlandosentinel.com
  • This article delves into CJ Baxter’s high school career at Edgewater High School and his decision to commit to Texas, offering insights into his path to becoming a five-star recruit.
• "Texas Football’s CJ Baxter Talks Freshman Success and Preakness Inspiration" - Austin-American Statesman: https://www.statesman.com
  • An interview with CJ Baxter, discussing his freshman season at Texas, challenges faced, and the impact of his journey on and off the field.

Interviews and Documentaries

• CJ Baxter: Freshman of the Year on the Longhorns - ESPN Interview (2023)
  • This interview explores Baxter's rookie year at Texas, his performance during the season, and his thoughts on being named honorable mention All-Big 12. The interview sheds light on his ambitions, training, and how he plans to build on his freshman success.
• "The Longhorn Rising: The Future of Texas Football" - Documentary (2024)
  • This documentary follows the journey of CJ Baxter as part of the Texas Longhorns football team, capturing his early career, challenges, and the road to becoming one of the standout running backs in college football.