Former Texas Longhorns RB cut by Jacksonville Jaguars
In the world of professional football, the journey from college stardom to NFL success is never guaranteed. For one former Texas Longhorns running back, that harsh truth became evident after the Jacksonville Jaguars announced his release ahead of their 2025 training camp. A player who once dazzled fans at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium and sparked hope for a long NFL career now finds himself a free agent, facing the uncertainty that so many players endure in the highly competitive world of the National Football League.
The running back in question had once been hailed as one of the crown jewels of Texas’ recruiting class. A four-star recruit out of high school with offers from top programs across the country, he chose to stay home and represent the Longhorns. His decision to don the burnt orange jersey was seen as a major win for then-head coach Steve Sarkisian, who was actively working to restore the Texas program to national prominence. Expectations were sky-high from the start. As a freshman, he flashed bursts of brilliance, showcasing the vision, balance, and breakaway speed that had made him a household name on the high school circuit. Though he initially played behind more experienced backs, he earned valuable reps and slowly became a key part of Texas’ offensive rotation.
By his sophomore year, he had emerged as a consistent threat in both the running and passing game. His ability to run between the tackles and bounce outside gave Texas a versatile weapon in the backfield. Coaches praised his work ethic, and teammates admired his quiet confidence. Fans, always passionate about their Longhorns, began to believe he might follow in the footsteps of Texas legends like Ricky Williams, Cedric Benson, and Jamaal Charles. He never quite reached those iconic heights, but he did carve out a solid college career marked by several highlight-reel plays and a few unforgettable performances in key Big 12 matchups.
His junior season was statistically his best. He racked up over 1,100 all-purpose yards and scored eight touchdowns, helping lead Texas to a 10-win season and a berth in the Big 12 Championship Game. It was during that season that NFL scouts began to take notice in a more serious way. He declared for the NFL Draft following his junior year, believing his stock was high enough to warrant an early exit. For some, it was a surprise decision; others felt the timing was right given the wear and tear that running backs typically endure.
The NFL Draft proved to be a humbling experience. Despite impressive pre-draft workouts and positive interviews with several teams, he was not selected in the early rounds as he and many analysts had hoped. Ultimately, he was taken in the sixth round by the Jacksonville Jaguars, a team that had been looking to add depth and explosiveness to its backfield. Upon arriving in Jacksonville, he expressed his gratitude and determination to prove the doubters wrong. He approached his rookie season with the same focus and drive that had fueled his rise at Texas.
The Jaguars were intrigued by his upside. He showed flashes during preseason games, delivering solid runs and catching passes out of the backfield. Coaches noted his quick learning ability and positive attitude. However, the reality of the NFL is ruthless. The depth chart in Jacksonville featured established backs, including Pro Bowl-caliber talent, and the competition was fierce. As a rookie, he appeared in limited action, mostly contributing on special teams and seeing occasional snaps in mop-up duty. Despite limited playing time, he remained engaged, soaking in as much knowledge as he could from the veterans around him.
Heading into his second season, there was hope that he could make a bigger impact. He spent the offseason training with a renowned performance facility and reportedly showed up to OTAs in the best shape of his career. He participated in team-organized workouts, studied film religiously, and expressed optimism about carving out a more significant role in the offense. Still, the NFL is not a place for sentimentality. The Jaguars made several offseason acquisitions, including drafting another running back and signing a veteran free agent, crowding the position even further.
As training camp approached, whispers began to circulate that his spot on the roster was anything but guaranteed. During minicamps, his reps were inconsistent. At times, he looked explosive and decisive; at others, he appeared tentative or outmatched by the speed of the defense. Coaches offered public praise but remained noncommittal about his long-term place in the rotation. Behind closed doors, roster evaluations were being made, and unfortunately for the former Texas star, those decisions did not break in his favor.
The official news came in the form of a transaction report: the Jacksonville Jaguars had released him ahead of mandatory minicamp. Just like that, his time with the team had ended. For fans who had followed his journey from Austin to the NFL, it was a disappointing but not entirely unexpected development. The life of an NFL running back is tenuous, especially for late-round picks. Roster spots are precious, and production must be immediate.
Reaction to the news was swift. Former teammates and fans took to social media to offer their support. Some criticized the Jaguars for giving up too quickly on a player with upside; others acknowledged the tough business decisions teams must make. The running back himself issued a brief statement via his official Twitter account, thanking the Jaguars organization for the opportunity and vowing to continue chasing his dream. It was a classy response from a player known for his professionalism and humility.
Now, as a free agent, he faces the daunting challenge of finding a new home in a league where opportunities are limited. The good news is that he’s still young, healthy, and relatively fresh compared to many of his peers. Several teams are reportedly monitoring his situation, particularly those looking to bolster their practice squads or add insurance in the backfield. His versatility as both a runner and a pass-catcher could make him an attractive option in the right system.
There is also the possibility of looking northward to the CFL or exploring alternative leagues like the UFL or XFL, both of which have become legitimate platforms for player development. Many NFL veterans have revitalized their careers by spending a year or two in those leagues before returning to the NFL. Whether he chooses to take that path or waits for another NFL opportunity remains to be seen.
Regardless of what the future holds, his story is far from over. It’s worth remembering that countless NFL stars—including players like Arian Foster, Priest Holmes, and James Robinson—went undrafted or were initially cut before finding success. The key is persistence, preparation, and seizing the moment when the next opportunity arises. He has already shown the resilience needed to climb the ladder once. There’s no reason to believe he can’t do it again.
His journey also serves as a reminder of how unforgiving the transition from college football to the NFL can be, even for players who excelled in top-tier programs. At Texas, he was a focal point of the offense, celebrated by fans and media alike. He carried the hopes of a fan base eager to return to national relevance. He delivered big plays in big games and earned respect in one of the most passionate football environments in the country. But in the NFL, none of that guarantees longevity.
The Longhorn community, however, has not forgotten him. Texas fans are known for their loyalty, and many continue to follow the professional careers of their former players long after they leave Austin. Alumni and boosters often step in to support players during transitions, helping them find new training resources, networking opportunities, and even business ventures. It’s a tight-knit fraternity, and this former running back remains part of it.
For now, he’ll stay in shape, keep his phone close, and wait for the next chance. Whether it comes next week, next month, or next season, it will be another test of his will and resilience. Some players shrink when faced with adversity; others rise. Based on everything he’s shown thus far—from his high school dominance to his college contributions and professional poise—there’s reason to believe he still has more to give.
In the grand arc of football careers, a release is not the end—it’s often just a plot twist. For this former Texas Longhorns running back, the story is still unfolding. He’s been knocked down, yes, but he’s far from out. And if his past is any indication, he’ll be ready when the next call comes.
