Season-ending injuries to Christian Clark and CJ Baxter leave Longhorns short at running back WSB-TV Channel 2 [Video]

AUSTIN, Texas — (AP) — No. 4 Texas has lost a second running back to a season-ending injury, leaving Jaydon Blue as the only scholarship player with significant experience at the position as the Longhorns enter the Southeastern Conference.

The school announced Tuesday that freshman Christian Clark tore an Achilles tendon in practice and will require surgery. Last week, the Longhorns lost 2023 part-time starter CJ Baxter, who injured a knee in practice.

Blue, now the projected starter, was a backup to 1,000-yard rusher Jonathon Brooks and Baxter in all 14 games last season. He rushed 65 times for 398 yards and three touchdowns and caught 14 balls for 135 yards and a score as a sophomore.

The only other two scholarship backs are sophomore Quintrevion Wisner, who had 12 carries for 73 yards and a touchdown in three games, and freshman Jerrick Gibson.

Quarterback Quinn Ewers said the situation puts his leadership in the spotlight.

“The team definitely needs …