Longhorns lead the country with four tabbed to Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Watch List

Texas Longhorns CJ Baxter during practice field at DKR stadium on Tuesday, March 21, 2023. Photo: Ricardo B. Brazziell/American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK

The Longhorns finished the 2023 recruiting cycle with the third best recruiting class in the nation, behind Alabama and Georgia, and the talent haul from the class is garnering early attention.

The Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award, named after the former University of Alabama and Seattle Seahawks star running back, was first presented in 2018 to quarterback Trevor Lawrence of Clemson.  The Award recognizes the most outstanding freshman college football player at any position, and the Longhorns lead the country in players on the newly released 2023 preseason watch list.

Running Back CJ Baxter, linebacker Anthony Cook, wide receiver Johntay Cook II and defensive back Malik Muhammed all made the list, which totals 37 candidates in all.  Alabama and Oklahoma tied for the second most on the watch list, with three players each.

The formal presentation of this award will be made at the Maxwell Football Club Awards Gala in the Spring of 2024.

LIST OF SHAUN ALEXANDER FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR AWARD WINNERS

Trevor Lawrence (Clemson) – 2018
Kenneth Gainwell (Memphis)-2019
Will Anderson Jr. (Alabama) – 2020
Brock Bowers (Georgia) – 2021
Drake Maye (North Carolina) 2022