Report: Longhorns RB Named To Paul Hornung Award Watch List

The Texas Longhorns boast one of the top running back duos in the nation for the 2024 season.

With CJ Baxter as the ‘thunder’ and Jaydon Blue as the ‘lightning,’ Texas is set for a strong performance this fall.

However, Blue is not just a typical speedy running back. He is an incredibly versatile player who can make an impact in various ways whenever he has the ball.

Due to his versatility, Blue has been named to the Paul Hornung Award preseason watch list, an honor given annually to the most versatile player in college football.

Texas Longhorns running back Jaydon Blue (23) made a catch for a first down during the Sugar Bowl College Football Playoff semifinals against the Washington Huskies at the Caesars Superdome on January 1, 2024, in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Aaron E. Martinez/American-Statesman/USA TODAY NETWORK)

As a freshman, Blue rushed just 15 times for 33 yards over three games but moved into a crucial RB3 role this past season. Following starting running back Jonathon Brooks’ season-ending ACL tear, both Blue and Baxter stepped in as a complementary duo to fill Brooks’ workhorse role in the offense.