Summer is here, and it is everyone’s favorite time of the year, scouting time. Every year, we do Summer Scouting to preview college football for Vikings fans, but also give them an idea of names to follow and watch in the fall as needs pop up for Minnesota. 

Are we going to write about quarterbacks? You know it, but why? Because other NFL teams will draft them, just as they will draft every other position. It all matters whether these players end up on the Vikings, the Bears, or the Steelers. We write these so Vikings fans can be the most informed fans. 

So if you are still with us, enjoy our latest Summer Scouting report as we prepare you for the Fall.

Player Information

Player: CJ Baxter

School: Texas

Height/Weight: 6-1/220 lbs.

Player Background

– 5-Star Recruit

– High School All-American and All-State Honoree in Florida

– All-Big 12 Honorable Mention in 2023

– Missed 2024 with Knee Injury

Career Stats Heading into the 2025 Season

– 138 Rushing Attempts

– 659 Rushing Yards

– 4.8 Yards Per Carry

– 24 Receptions

– 156 Receiving Yards

– 6.5 Yards Per Reception

– 5 Touchdown

Notable PFF Numbers Heading into the 2025 Season 

– 74.8 PFF Rushing Grade

– 2.94 Yards After Contact Per Carry

– 29 Missed Tackles Forced

– 18 Carries of 10+ Yards

– Breakaway Run Chance of 23.2%

Player Traits

– Can be a dual-threat out of the backfield

– Microwave ability to get full-speed quickly

– Good ball carrier vision and awareness

– Can be physical when he has to

– Will surprise you with his footwork in his route running

Player Summary

CJ Baxter is going to be coming off a knee injury when fans see him return, but he has a chance to be very loud when he gets to be a part of an explosive 2025 Texas offense. Baxter has a dual-threat ability out of the backfield which will be perfect for Arch Manning to exploit against opposing defenses. He has great awareness and vision as a ball carrier, and it allows for him to get the most out of every touch. He really surprised me with his footwork and route running ability, something I hope to see be even better in 2025. All in all, he will be in a loaded backfield at Texas, but his skillset is unique enough he will have every chance to shine when given the chance. 

This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: 2026 NFL Draft Summer Scouting Report: C.J. Baxter, RB, Texas