The Texas Longhorns football program is currently searching for a new running backs coach after Tashard Choice left the position to join the Detroit Lions. Choice’s departure, while a loss for the program, opens up an opportunity for new leadership and direction in the running backs room. As Texas looks to fill the position, several names have emerged as potential candidates, each bringing a unique set of qualifications and experience to the table. Here’s a closer look at the names being mentioned for the role.
1. Carlos Locklyn (Ohio State)
Carlos Locklyn has been the running backs coach at Ohio State University, where he has worked with some of the top running backs in the nation. Under his guidance, the Buckeyes have consistently had one of the most productive rushing attacks in college football. Notably, players like TreVeyon Henderson have thrived under Locklyn’s mentorship.
Locklyn’s ability to develop elite talent and his strong recruiting acumen make him a very attractive candidate for Texas. The Longhorns have been striving to elevate their running game, and bringing in a coach with Locklyn’s pedigree could be a move that takes the program’s running back room to the next level.
2. Ra’Shaad Samples (Oregon)
Ra’Shaad Samples, currently the assistant head coach and running backs coach at the University of Oregon, is another name being mentioned for the role. At just 30 years old, Samples is viewed as one of the bright young stars in the coaching world. Before his time at Oregon, Samples had a stint at Texas as the assistant wide receivers coach under Tom Herman.
Samples has deep ties to the Texas recruiting scene and could be an asset in attracting top-tier talent to Austin. He has proven success in developing running backs and could be the type of coach to inject fresh energy into the Longhorns’ running back room.
3. Chris Gilbert (Texas)
Chris Gilbert is currently serving as a special assistant to the head coach at Texas and has a history with the program. He previously coached tight ends at North Texas and has strong familiarity with the inner workings of Texas football. Gilbert’s connection to the Longhorns and his coaching experience make him a strong internal candidate for the position.
Though Gilbert’s experience coaching tight ends is not directly aligned with the running backs position, his knowledge of the program and its culture could make him a viable option for Texas. His recruitment abilities and rapport with current players could also play a significant role in his candidacy.
4. Stan Drayton (Temple)
Stan Drayton, a former Texas running backs coach, is another prominent name that has emerged as a potential candidate. Drayton previously worked at Texas from 2017 to 2021, where he helped develop running backs such as Keaontay Ingram and Bijan Robinson, both of whom went on to have strong careers at the NFL level. Drayton’s reputation for developing NFL-caliber talent is well-established.
Drayton left Texas to become the head coach at Temple University, but his success in Austin and his familiarity with the program make him a prime candidate for a potential return. If Texas is looking for continuity and stability in the running backs room, Drayton’s experience and previous success at the program could be a strong argument in his favor.
5. Tashard Choice’s Influence and Legacy
While not an active candidate for the role, the legacy of Tashard Choice will undoubtedly shape the future of Texas’ running backs position. Choice was instrumental in developing standout players like Bijan Robinson, and his recruiting efforts helped Texas secure top talent at the running back position. The program’s new coach will need to continue building upon the foundation that Choice laid, especially in terms of player development and recruiting.
Factors to Consider in the Search
The search for the next running backs coach will be guided by several important factors:
- Player Development: Texas has produced some of the most talented running backs in recent history, and the next coach will need to continue this trend of developing elite talent. Whether it’s refining technique, improving vision, or increasing production, player development will be critical.
- Recruiting: Texas is a state with an abundance of high school football talent, and the ability to recruit top-tier running backs will be a major factor in the decision-making process. The next coach will need to be a strong recruiter who can not only identify talent but also close on commitments from top prospects.
- Offensive Scheme Fit: Texas operates within a modern offensive scheme that relies heavily on its running game to set up the passing attack. The new running backs coach must understand and work well within this system, adapting to the offensive coordinator’s philosophy and ensuring that the running backs are effectively integrated into the team’s overall game plan.
- Cultural Fit: Texas football is a high-profile program, and the new running backs coach will need to understand the pressures and expectations that come with working in such an environment. The ability to connect with players, communicate effectively with the rest of the coaching staff, and align with the program’s values will all be important considerations.