Running back Cedric Baxter Jr. lost his best friend, Keiondre Waters, at the age of eight. On what would have been Waters’ 17th birthday, the Florida native announced his commitment to the University of Texas. Baxter Jr. shared the big news during Waters’ ceremony.
Head coach Steve Sarkisian’s newest recruit chose the Longhorns over Florida, Texas A&M, and Miami. Running backs coach Tashard Choice gets credit for bringing in the four-star prospect. Choice spent six years in the NFL and is coaching his first season in Sarkisian’s program.
Before every game, Baxter Jr. goes to the end zone and prays. In his prayer, he mentions Keiondre Waters. Anytime the four-star scores, he points to the sky. He will continue his tradition in Austin, TX.
“My relationship with Coach Choice is amazing. He’s been recruiting me since freshman year. I had the longest relationship with him. Coach Sark too. Coach Sark offered me, he was the one that offered me from Texas. Just being around him was a vibe I got from him and the coaching staff.”
-Cedric Baxter Jr. on his bond with Tashard Choice
A Look at Cedric Baxter Jr.
Cedric Baxter Jr. attends Edgewater High School in Orlando, FL. In his junior year, the RB recorded 1,718 yards on 199 carries with 26 rushing touchdowns. He added 102 receiving yards on seven receptions. Baxter Jr. totaled three 200+ rushing yard games. Edgewater finished with a 10-2 record and won the district title.
The 6-foot-1, 215-pound prospect places at No. 58 on ESPN’s Class of 2023 Top 300. Baxter Jr. is the fourth-best RB in the country and possesses an 86 scout grade. He also ranks 12th in the state of Florida.
In March, the running back made an unofficial trip to the Longhorn campus. Three months later, he officially visited the University of Texas.
The moment he made it official ‼️
4⭐️ running back Cedric Baxter Jr. commits to the Texas Longhorns over Texas A&M, Miami, and Florida.
@CedricBaxterJr1 x @Horns247 pic.twitter.com/TPpQWNkkUM
— 247Sports (@247Sports) August 10, 2022
In Conclusion
With Baxter Jr.’s commitment, Texas totals 22 verbal pledges. Sarkisian’s squad totals two five-star, 14 four-star, and six three-star prospects. The Longhorns rank third in the nation on the 247Sports recruiting list. The 2023 class is headlined by No. 1 prospect Arch Manning.
Texas ended its 2021 campaign with a 5-7 record and 3-6 in conference play.