After a productive tenure as part of the Longhorns’ running back committee, junior Jaydon Blue has declared for the NFL Draft.
“From the moment I stepped on campus, I’ve been surrounded by incredible teammates, coaches, and staff who pushed me to be the best version of myself both on and off the field,” Blue said in his statement. “I’m beyond proud to be a Longhorn and represent this legendary program.”
The former four-star recruit had been a part of Texas’ backfield for three seasons, with most of his play coming in the last two seasons. Blue finished his sophomore season with 398 rushing yards and 135 receiving yards before having his most productive season this past year, amassing 730 rush yards, 368 receiving yards and 14 total touchdowns.
Blue had been a key piece filling in for a decimated backfield the past two seasons with season-ending injuries to Jonathon Brooks last year and CJ Baxter this year. His quickness, agility and pass-catching ability provided an effective change of pace to the Texas offense, specifically this year, complementing sophomore Quintrevion Wisner who evolved into more of an every-down back.
In the playoffs, Blue scored two touchdowns against both 12-seeded Clemson in the first round and eight-seeded Ohio State in the semifinals. Highlighted by his 77-yard fourth-quarter touchdown versus the Tigers, his impressive playoff campaign will surely improve his draft stock moving forward.
He will serve as a quick and versatile back with heavy usage in the passing game in the NFL. Although he is currently not ranked on ESPN NFL Draft insider Mel Kiper’s Big Board, Blue’s late-season surge and potential as a ball carrier give him a chance to be a top-100 pick in the draft, per A to Z Sports.
Despite losing a key piece, the Longhorns will retain a strong backfield next year with current sophomores Baxter and Wisner and current freshman Jerrick Gibson.
He will look to continue an impressive legacy of Texas running backs in the NFL, with Falcons running back Bijan Robinson; Bears running back Roschon Johnson; Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks and Jaguars running back Keilan Robinson being selected in the past two drafts.
