CJ Baxter, RB, Kentucky: 2027 NFL Draft Prospect Profile & Scouting Report
1. General Information
|
Name |
|
|
Position |
Running Back (RB) |
|
Jersey Number |
#1 |
|
Class |
Redshirt Junior |
|
School |
Kentucky |
|
Height / Weight |
6’1″ / 230 lbs |
|
Hometown / HS |
Boynton Beach, Fla. / Edgewater HS |
2. Career Statistical Breakdown
Rushing Productivity
|
Season |
Team |
Conf |
Class |
G |
Carries |
Rushing Yds |
Avg |
Rush TD |
|
2023 |
Texas |
Big 12 |
FR |
12 |
138 |
659 |
4.8 |
5 |
|
2025 |
Texas |
SEC |
SO |
8 |
54 |
196 |
3.6 |
0 |
|
Total |
20 |
192 |
855 |
4.5 |
5 |
Receiving Productivity
|
Season |
Team |
Conf |
Class |
G |
Rec |
Yds |
Avg |
Rec TD |
|
2023 |
Texas |
Big 12 |
FR |
12 |
24 |
156 |
6.5 |
0 |
|
2025 |
Texas |
SEC |
SO |
8 |
12 |
41 |
3.4 |
1 |
|
Total |
20 |
36 |
197 |
5.5 |
1 |
3. NFL Combine Testing Projections
Projected baseline physical metrics for the 2027 NFL Draft cycle based on historic Florida high school athletic profiles, verified pre-injury laser-timed speed, and linear burst parameters.
- 40-Yard Dash: 4.50 – 4.60 seconds
- Vertical Jump: 34.0″ – 36.0″
- Broad Jump: 9’10” – 10’2″
- 20-Yard Shuttle: 4.25 – 4.35 seconds
- 3-Cone Drill: 7.05 – 7.20 seconds
4. Scouting & Transfer Notes
Background Profile
Baxter emerged as a consensus five-star recruit out of Edgewater High School in Florida, where he dominated the prep ranks by rushing for over 3,800 yards and 57 touchdowns. Signing with the Texas Longhorns, he made immediate history in 2023 by becoming the first true freshman running back to start the season opener for Texas since Ricky Williams in 1995. Baxter put together an excellent debut campaign, rushing for 659 yards and five touchdowns while capturing Big 12 Offensive Newcomer of the Year honors.
Unfortunately, his highly anticipated 2024 sophomore season was derailed before it began, as he suffered a devastating LCL/PCL tear during fall camp that required season-ending surgery. He returned to the field in 2025 but struggled to fully recapture his elite pre-injury form within a crowded backfield, finishing the year with 196 rushing yards over eight games while battling a mid-season hamstring setback.
Seeking a fresh start and a clear path to lead-back volume, Baxter entered the transfer portal following the 2025 season, committing to the Kentucky Wildcats for 2026.
Key Strengths
- Prototypical Bell-Cow Framework: Carries a massive, muscular 6’1″, 230-pound build designed to effortlessly absorb high-frequency contact and wear down defensive fronts over four quarters.
- Impressive Contact Balance: Runs with an upright yet incredibly powerful style, allowing him to consistently break arm tackles, extend runs through traffic, and generate heavy yards after initial contact.
- Fluid Receiving Capability: Flashes highly natural hands out of the backfield for a back of his size, hauling in 36 career receptions and demonstrating the route-running fluidity to operate as a reliable check-down option.
- Proven Freshman Pedigree: Showcased premium baseline traits as a true freshman in 2023, stepping into high-leverage situations to produce 659 yards and secure a Big 12 Newcomer of the Year award.
Developmental Focus
The entirety of Baxter’s professional draft evaluation will center on his medicals and his ability to recapture the explosive lateral burst he possessed prior to his 2024 knee reconstruction. During his 2025 return, his rushing average dipped significantly from 4.8 to 3.6 yards per carry, indicating he was still trusting his structural stability.
NFL front offices will be closely watching his 2026 campaign at Kentucky to confirm that his lower-body power, acceleration, and change-of-direction twitch are fully restored. If he proves he is completely healthy and can string together a high-volume, durable SEC season, his natural physical size and pass-catching upside will push him firmly back into the Day 2 conversation for the 2027 draft.
Draft Countdown Film Notes
*pending*
All-Star Game Notes
*pending*
Combine/Pro Day Measurables
*pending*