Texas RB Coach Tashard Choice Makes Bold Claim About Jaydon Blue

“Speed-wise, he is very similar to Jahmyr Gibbs because he's fast, and he can catch the ball out of the backfield," Choice told Horns 247. "But he's different from the simple fact that Blue is a very cerebral, smart football player. And so if I had to compare anybody to his body type it'd be Gibbs. They'll look a little different in how they play the game, but the more Blue matures, has a chance to be better.”

If anyone knows Gibbs, it is choice, recruited and helped sign the now Detroit Lions standout during his time with Georgia Tech. And while with the Yellow Jackets, Choice helped mold Gibbs into one of the most explosive playmakers in the ACC. 

He then moved on to Alabama, where he became one of the top running backs in the SEC. He eventually parlayed that success into being selected with the No. 12 overall pick in last year's NFL Draft by the Lions, where he made a Pro Bowl after an electric rookie campaign.

Now, Choice sees the same in Blue, who will enter 2024 as one-half of arguably the nation's best running back duo alongside Baxter - something similar to what Gibbs did with Jase McClellan during his one season at Alabama. 

"He wants the ball in his hands like all great running backs," Choice told 247. "He's very fast, and he's getting more and more confident. He can catch the ball out of the backfield. He puts stress on defenses. That's really good. And so I'm really pleased at where he's at, because he works his tail off man. He's listening. He's coachable."

Blue and the Longhorns will hit the field again at the end of spring football in April in the annual Orange-White Game at Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium.