With Malcolm Brown graduating and Johnathan Gray entering his final season, Texas needed players at the running back position. Enter Rockwall (TX) runner Chris Warren who made a signing day decision to take his talents to Austin, Texas. Warren, long rumored as a Longhorns lean, affirmed those thoughts by choosing Texas over finalists Texas Tech, Washington, and Oklahoma State.
The U.S. Army All-American and son of former Cowboy Chris Warren, Sr. has been chased by most of the big programs in the nation, and the fact that he once had Stanford in his top group lets you know how good of a student Warren is. Warren joins Kirk Johnson and Tristian Houston in the Longhorn running back class. This class of three will help replenish the ranks in the backfield.
Film Analysis
Warren has a big frame at 6’2, 223pounds with the powerful legs and narrow hips that build a natural runner. Warren is a classic one cut back who sees the hole and explodes up field quickly. While Warren isn’t a blazer by any means he actually has above average speed for a player his size.
A good comparison is former Longhorn Cedric Benson. Warren relishes contact and gains tough yards between the tackles, but also has no problem cutting outside and making extra yards with his speed. Warren shows the ability to break tackles and has a nice stiff arm, although he does tend to run a bit high which is hard to control for a guy with his height.
Warren also played defensive end so he doesn’t mind contact. In his clips on defense, Warren exhibits good upper body strength and feet. Warren also could work on his patience just a bit, but those things will come once he’s playing at a higher level.
Warren displays natural athleticism on film as well as when I saw him live at the Army Bowl. That trait makes him a threat in the passing game.
Final Verdict
Warren has the experience and production necessary that translates to success at the next level. The offensive style at Texas is perfect for his skills and he has a college ready body already. Warren should be able to contribute right away and his ceiling is that of an all-conference performer and future NFL player.
