New Star Emerging in Backfield With Arch Manning

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Taylor Hartman | Last updated Apr 4, 2025 1:48 PM ET

The Texas Longhorns may have found their next breakout star in the backfield. Christian Clark, a redshirt freshman running back, has been turning heads during spring practices. Despite returning from a torn Achilles suffered just seven months ago, Clark has looked “phenomenal” in limited action, according to a source close to the team. Anwar Richardson noted, “So far, more buzz surrounds Christian Clark than any other running back in that room.”

Clark’s combination of power and agility makes him a perfect complement to quarterback Arch Manning. At 6-foot and 210 pounds, Clark’s physicality allows him to break tackles and gain tough yards, while his quickness provides a dynamic edge in open space. During his high school career, Clark rushed for 737 yards and 11 touchdowns in his junior season, showcasing his ability to be a consistent playmaker.

Manning, known for his precision and football IQ, could benefit greatly from Clark’s versatility. Clark’s ability to catch passes out of the backfield adds another dimension to the Longhorns’ offense, creating opportunities for Manning to exploit mismatches against opposing defenses. Together, they could form a potent duo capable of leading Texas to new heights.

As spring ball continues, all eyes will be on Clark to see if he can maintain his momentum and solidify his role in the offense. With Manning under center and Clark in the backfield, the Longhorns’ future looks brighter than ever.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: