Texas Football: Who Will Be the Next Great Longhorns Running Back?

The Texas Longhorns football program boasts a flashy list of spectacular running backs throughout its history. The special players that have come through Austin have soared above most expectations, and transformed into legends well after their careers on the Forty Acres were finished.

Next in line for high expectations with a considerable deal of pressure given the circumstances is Malcolm Brown, and he follows in the footsteps of legendary backs that have graced the Longhorns with incredible talent and production.

From Earl Campbell to Priest Holmes to Ricky Williams to Cedric Benson to Jamaal Charles, these tailbacks each had their own special skill set that led to success in both collegiate and professional careers.

Campbell's bruising running style punished his opposition, in college and in the NFL.

Holmes was shifty, quick and talented, but his production in college was limited even though he exploded onto the professional scene with his stint in Kansas City.

Williams was one of the most prolific players to ever play in the college arena, much less at Texas. His combination of speed, strength and versatility earned him a wealth of NCAA records.

Benson's game was often compared to Williams', as both shared similar physical attributes.

Charles is the speedster of the group, and really came onto the scene late in his career at Texas.

But that was the past. And since Charles' departure to the NFL in 2008, the Horns have yet to produce a game-changing tailback.

Whether that is due to poor recruiting and evaluation by the coaching staff (which has since undergone drastic changes), dismal performances from the offensive line, game-planning, or simply just bad production all the way around, not one of Texas' current backs screams superstar.

But though it may be a little premature, Texas may have gotten its hands on the next big thing, and he's set to come to Austin this summer.

Meet Malcolm Brown

For those that haven't heard, Texas received a commitment from the nation's top 2011 running back in Malcolm Brown, a 6'0", 220-pound playmaker out of Steele High School in Cibolo, Texas.

First of all, it's important to keep in mind that the aforementioned backs had some decent offensive lines gouging out holes in opposing defenses, something that the current ones cannot claim.

But offensive lines aside, Brown has that rare combination of size, strength, speed, balance and durability that virtually every head coach at every program in the nation covets. His balance gives him great change of direction, allowing him to accelerate off of his cuts and brush off the arm tackles.

With a quick glance at his film it is easy to see why virtually every school in the country had Brown atop their short list in 2011. Any additional convincing can be done here. 

Still, Texas' current offensive line is by no means the same juggernaut that provided the lanes that had Benson and Williams chewing up yards at record-setting paces. With just eight linemen on scholarship, the unit is very thin with regards to depth and experience.

Obviously, how well the offensive line executes its blocking scheme ultimately will impact what kind of production Brown and the rest of the running backs have in the coming season.

The Waiting Game

Though the top-ranked running back is highly touted and was very highly recruited, Texas fans will have to wait until the summer before he makes it onto campus.

Spring football is well under way, and reports coming out of the Longhorns' camp have revealed good things about Fozzy Whittaker, a senior who has had constant injury problems that have kept him from maintaining a starting spot.

The comprehension and execution of Bryan Harsin's offense by Whittaker and the rest of the Horns' tailbacks (D.J. Monroe, Jeremy Hills and Traylon Shead) this spring and into the summer, coupled with Brown's readiness coming into the program, ultimately will determine how soon Brown will see the field and begin his quest to be the next great Longhorns running back.