On Wednesday night, “Sark After Dark” was in full swing as the Texas Longhorns secured Velton Gardner, a running back who transferred from SMU, according to a post on his Instagram.
The Dallas native will embark on his sixth college football season as a graduate transfer after spending three years at Kansas and two years at SMU. Gardner had announced in February his decision to enter the transfer portal and has now found his final collegiate destination. He joins a running back group at Texas that includes Jaydon Blue, sophomore Tre Wisner, and freshman Jerrick Gibson.
So what does Gardner bring to Texas? Essentially, he offers both speed and experience, the latter being something the Longhorns need in their running back lineup. With Blue leading the backfield this season, Gardner, who started at Kansas before the pandemic, immediately becomes one of the most experienced players on the team. His potential role as a mentor for Wisner, Gibson, and Clark could prove to be highly beneficial for the future of the program, perhaps even more so than the carries he might get as a grad transfer.
Gardner has played alongside notable running backs like Khaili Herbert of the Chicago Bears, Kansas standout Devin Neal, and former Cincinnati Bengal Pooka Williams Jr. His experience playing at a high level makes him well-equipped to share his knowledge with the younger Texas players.
In addition to his experience, Gardner’s speed could also earn him significant playing time. He has demonstrated his breakaway speed throughout his career, with six runs of 30 yards or more and four of 40 yards or more. Notably, he scored a 61-yard touchdown during the 2020 season with Kansas, evading defenders without being touched as he sprinted down the sideline.
Gardner’s speed might not match that of Xavier Worthy, but he could still contribute a long touchdown run this season.
Coach Steve Sarkisian has mentioned the staff’s interest in finding experienced players for specific roles, as he noted in a recent media session. “We definitely have a spot that we can utilize,” Sarkisian said. “We’re looking at all our options. We don’t just want to add a player for the sake of it. If it’s someone who can help us in some capacity, whether in a limited or larger role, we’re considering all possibilities.”
Over his five seasons, Gardner has accumulated 229 carries for 1,024 yards and six touchdowns, along with 22 catches for 73 yards. His best season was in 2020 with Kansas, where he had 72 carries, and he recorded a career-high 368 rushing yards two years later at SMU. In a 2022 game against Lamar, Gardner rushed for a career-high 100 yards on 11 carries.
The No. 4 Texas Longhorns will start their regular season at home against the Colorado State Rams on Saturday, August 31.
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