Commitment Breakdown: Texas lands four-star Florida RB Cedric Baxter

The elite class head coach Steve Sarkisian is putting together took another big step forward Wednesday night landing four-star running back Cedric Baxter. The four-star back out of Orlando’s Edgewater fits the bill of a legendary Longhorns’ back in the making with the rare mix of power and speed.

WHAT TEXAS IS GETTING

Taking on 7A Florida defenses, Baxter was a powerhouse rushing 199 times for 1,651 yards with a mind blowing 22 trips into the endzone. By himself, Baxter outproduced his Eagles’ passing attack that tallied 1,431 yards of which he contributed 102 off seven receptions.

WHAT MAKES BAXTER DIFFERENT

Texas has long loved to find that tailback that can carry the team to championships, and Baxter has that athletic makeup. With teams keying on him, he was still able to flex his talents as a bruiser up the middle and as a homerun hitter with a crease. Baxter is not afraid to lower the helmet for the extra yards.

WHY THIS IS BIG FOR THE LONGHORNS

Per the Rivals’ team rankings, this moves Texas past both Ohio State and Alabama for the No. 2 spot behind Notre Dame. The depth of talent in the class is one thing to brag about, the talent within to help transition into the SEC is another. The Longhorns have strung together great back-to-back recruiting classes which should really come to life as Texas makes that transition into the SEC.

Looking down the line, with Jaydon Blue and Baxter holding court in the near future, this gives Texas a great one-to-punch. Baxter has third down abilities which should help mix defenses up. Versatility is key in the college game.