Why Texas moved Michael Terry III to RB

AUSTIN — When Texas sophomore running back Michael Terry III joined the Forty Acres as the top-ranked athlete in the 2025 recruiting class, the coaching staff faced a challenge in determining his best position. Standing at 6'3" and 216 pounds, Terry was a unique blend of size and skill set, leading to the initial thought of placing him at wide receiver or an H-back.

However, the staff ultimately decided to move him to wide receiver, where he trained throughout spring practice, summer conditioning, and preseason camp. Midway through the season, Texas encountered an injury crisis at the running back position, with the departure of star Jerrick Gibson and the need to emulate the performance of top Wildcats back Seth McGowan and his backup Dante Dowdell.

Terry stepped up to fill this role, despite it being a challenging change mid-season, both physically and mentally. Coach Sarkisian acknowledged the difficulty of the transition, noting that Terry had to relearn the offense and adapt to new run-blocking schemes. Terry's efforts paid off, as he gained weight to now weigh 229 pounds, and began to contribute in minor roles, recording 10 total carries in non-conference games against UTSA and UT-Rio Grande Valley.

When the conference season began, Terry saw limited action, with only one snap against Tennessee and two against Florida in a 31 personnel short-yardage package. However, with injuries to senior running backs Hollywood Smothers and Derrek Cooper, Terry got his first significant chance. He rushed for 41 yards and scored his first career touchdown on two runs of 10-plus yards.

The longest run, a 19-yard touchdown, set up Manning's go-ahead touchdown. Coach Sarkisian praised Terry's impact, particularly in short-yardage and third-down situations, and noted his impressive size and ability to generate momentum. With Smothers' return uncertain and Cooper still recovering from an injury, the Longhorns will rely on Terry's development as they enter the final stretch of the season, where he appears poised to become a valuable player.