Tag: Rueben Owens

Here are the Top 5 Texas A&M offensive players that need to show out this spring

Ahead of spring football, here are five Texas A&M offensive players who need to improve, starting next month.

It may be early in the offseason, but Texas A&M’s spring football season is less than a month away, and all eyes will be on how new head coach Mike Elko and his impressive coaching staff will help the offense, especially quarterback Conner Weigman, take the next step in their development.

After adding 22 veteran players from the transfer portal, the Aggies’ roster looks better by the day. Still, until the newcomers prove themselves on the field, the returning players from last season will define the 2024 campaign.

Focusing on the offense, Weigman’s return from the lower body injury that resulted in him missing the Aggies’ final nine games will take center stage as soon as spring practices begin, but due to consistent poor play on the offensive line, how new O-line coach Adam Cushing will fix said issues will be telling, and likely result in the offense’s success, or failure starting in September.

Here are the top 5 Texas A&M players on offense who need to show up and show out this spring, heading into the 2024 season.

Texas A&M RB Rueben Owens announces his return for the Aggies’ 2024 season

Through Texas A&M’s official NIL sponsor, Texas Aggies United, incoming sophomore RB Rueben Owens announced his return for the 2024 season.

The NIL era is here to stay, maybe not in its current format, but here to stay nonetheless. For Texas A&M, the program’s official NIL sponsor, Texas Aggies United, has partnered with current members on the Aggies roster to announce every player’s impending return, this time focusing on incoming sophomore running back Rueben Owens.

Coming off his first season in College Station, Owens rushed for 385 yards and three touchdowns in 13 appearances while recording his first-career 100-yard rushing game with 106 and a score in A&M’s 38-10 win over Abilene Christian. Possessing the speed, footwork, and versatility as a weapon in the passing game, Owens re-joins a loaded and semi-crowed backfield in 2024.

Texas A&M’s running back depth chart includes Owens, Le’Veon Moss, Amari Daniels, and incoming former Stanford running back E.J. Smith, who is the son of Hall of Fame RB Emmitt Smith.

While I anticipate this group to stay the same come Fall, Rueben Owens is much too talented to keep off the field, and knowing new offensive coordinator Collin Klein’s wide-open offensive scheme, Owens should have a significant role.

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes, and opinions. Follow Cameron on Twitter: @CameronOhnysty.

3 Texas A&M football players earn Freshman All-SEC honors

OL Chase Bisontis, RB Rueben Owens and LB Taurean York stood out among the Aggies to earn respective selections for the All-SEC Freshman team.

Several Aggies had phenomenal freshman campaigns in 2023 but three Texas A&M football players stood out among the rest to earn a selection for the All-SEC Freshman team.

Offensive lineman Chase Bisontis, running back Rueben Owens and linebacker Taurean York were recognized for their play this past season with Freshman All-SEC honors.

Bisontis is a 6-foot-6, 320-pound right tackle who was a 4-star recruit and the No. 1 player in his state coming out of Don Bosco Prep in Ramsey, N.J. He started in all 12 regular season games for the Aggies in 2023 and was named a Freshman All-American. However, Bisontis may depart College Station after only one year after entering the NCAA transfer portal on Wednesday afternoon.

Owens was a 5-star prospect and top two running back in the 2022 recruiting class coming out of El Campo High School in Texas. He played in every contest for Texas A&M during the regular season and averaged nearly 47 all-purpose yards per game. Owens racked up totals of 359 yards rushing, 202 kick return yards, 101 yards receiving and three touchdowns this year.

York was named the Dave Campbell Texas Football All-Texas Defensive Freshman of the Year on Monday and is currently a semifinalist for the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year award. As a freshman at Temple High School, York shared the Texas District 12-6A co-Defensive Newcomer of the Year award. He proceeded to earn the district’s Defensive MVP the following three seasons.

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Texas A&M Football 2023 Midseason Grades: Running Backs

With A&M in their bye week, we’re taking a pulse check on how each positional group has fared so far, including the RBs.

The Aggies Wire team is doing the same with Texas A&M (4-3, 2-2), looking to take a breather and reassess heading into the bye week. Namely, there’s no better time to take a pulse check on how the Aggies have fared through the first half of the season, with a deep dive on each positional group.

Next up, we’re looking at the Aggies in the backfield, headlined by Le’Veon Moss, Amari Daniels, and Rueben Owens.

Highlights

Texas A&M’s ground game is good for 83rd in the country, as the Maroon and White boast an average of 131.9 rushing yards per game. While that’s a tad below their 144.7 rushing yards per game average from last year (70th), there had to be an expected drop-off when elite speedster De’Von Achane declared for the NFL Draft.

Leading the way is Le’Veon Moss, whose 82.2 run grade at Pro Football Focus is the best among all Aggie runners this season. Amari Daniels and Rueben Owens have been solid complimentary pieces, but it’s no secret that Moss’ versatility has made him A&M’s true blue RB1.

Areas of improvement

While Moss boasts a strong running grade per PFF, Daniels’ 66.0 grade has been solid, at best. Meanwhile, Owens’ 62.1 grade is likely indicative of having a mere 3.5 yards per carry on the season, coupled with one fumble recorded. Truth be told, Owens’ struggles are to be expected from a true freshman, and he’ll surely get more efficient in the ground game as he continues to develop.

From a larger point of view, A&M’s run game has somewhat cooled off over the last few weeks, which is troublesome as the Aggies’ pass game has been stuck in a rut. While the Maroon and White average over 130 yards per game on the season, that’s dwindled to just 108.3 yards per game in the last three contests and just 54.0 yards in their loss to Tennessee. Among the larger SEC, their ground game ranks 11th out of 14 total teams.

Among the notable adjustments needed for this second half of the season is a kickstart to the ground game once again.

Final grade: C+

The Aggies ground game has had its moments over the course of the season, but it’s clear that there are areas to improve on as the second half of the schedule kicks into full gear.

The Maroon and White enter a pivotal stretch once they welcome South Carolina to Kyle Field in Week 9, and it will be interesting to see how Bobby Petrino leverages the run game as a possible means of lighting a spark in what has been a sluggish offense over the last few games.

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Texas A&M’s running back room has exhibited tremendous depth, led by sophomore Le’Veon Moss

Texas A&M running back Le’Veon Moss has quickly solidified his standing as the Aggies starting running back for the rest of the 2023 season.

Texas A&M sophomore running back Le’Veon Moss has made the most of his increased snaps over the past weeks. Still, after leading the Aggies with 17 carries for 107 yards in Saturday’s 34-22 win over Arkansas, things have become clearer regarding the back rotation ahead of next week’s pivotal matchup vs. the 10th-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide.

Moss, a Louisiana native and high-ranking member of the vaunted 2022 recruiting class, showed flashes in limited play late last season, possessing a power running style, but has quickly become a finesse footwork specialist with advanced vision, already making him the most complete back on the Aggies roster.

After notably missing Texas A&M’s Week 2 matchup vs. Miami, Moss has been on a running tear ever since, leading the Aggies in rushing with 276 yards with two touchdowns, while junior back Amari Daniels (270 yards, two touchdowns) and freshman standout Rueben Owens (110 yards, one touchdown) finishes out one of the more complete running back stables in the country.

Head coach Jimbo Fisher and first-year OC Bobby Petrino deserve credit for keeping each back fresh in SEC play and utilizing each player’s unique skill set. Moss’s 17 carries on Saturday were simply a product of “feeding the hot hand,” as Daniels has ten carries of his own. However, just looking at Moss’s yards per rush average over the last two games, including 6.5 in the win against Auburn and 6.3 against the Razorbacks, has now cemented his standing as the starting running back from now on, starting with a big game against the Crimson Tide next week.

Texas A&M will host No.10 Alabama on Saturday, Oct. 7, at 2:30 p.m. CT, inside Kyle Field (TV: CBS).

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Five players to watch in Texas A&M’s Week 5 matchup vs. Arkansas

Will Max Johnson shine? Is the Aggie D ready for K.J Jefferson? here are five players to watch ahead of Texas A&M vs. Arkansas.

Texas A&M (3-1, 1-0 SEC) is headed back to Arlington, Texas, to face the visiting Arkansas Razorbacks (2-2, 0-1 SEC) at 11:00 a.m. CT. in the annual Southwest Classic as the Max Johnson era has begun in Aggieland after starting quarterback Conner Weigman’s season-ending injury.

Arkansas’s high-flying offense has been impressive behind the arm of senior quarterback K.J Jefferson but already incurred two losses early in the year due to a susceptible secondary, allowing 8.4 yards per pass attempt this season.

For Texas A&M, last week’s 27-10 win over Auburn may have been slightly overshadowed by Weigman’s injury news this week. Still, after Max Johnson’s second-half heroic paired with the Aggies’ resurgent defense, accounting for seven sacks and 15 tackles for loss (both season highs), momentum may be on Texas A&M’s side for the first time this season.

However, this rivalry is one of the most difficult to predict every year, and even though the Aggies have dominated the series since entering the SEC in 2012, no betting line can accurately predict just how things will shake out. This week, we have provided several storylines while going behind the scenes with Razorbacks Wire to get the full scoop on what to expect on Saturday afternoon.

Focusing on the players that need to make this weekend, here are the five players to watch ahead of Texas A&M vs. Arkansas.

Texas A&M freshman RB Rueben Owens ranks among ESPN’s Top 50 college football newcomers

Texas A&M will lean on a tandem of returning RBs, but it’s only a matter of time before freshman Rueben Owens makes a name for himself after being named to ESPN’s Top 50 newcomers list.

The 2023 college football season continues to inch closer, and there will be no shortage of storylines to follow. The fall campaign will also offer a chance to watch some exciting new players, including one that hails from Texas A&M.

ESPN recently released its top 50 newcomers and transfers to watch for in 2023, and the Maroon and White were well-represented by true freshman running back Rueben Owens. While the Aggies will rely on a tandem of returners to help fill the void left by De’Von Achane, it may just be a matter of time before the five-star tailback out of the 2023 cycle makes a name for himself:

Owens was one of the top running backs in the 2023 class and flipped his commitment from Louisville to Texas A&M. He had over 7,000 rush yards and 100 rushing touchdowns in his high school career and was one of the top players in Texas for his class.

The Aggies’ leading rusher from last season, Devon Achane, is now in the NFL and the staff is looking for his replacement. Both Amari Daniels and Le’Veon Moss are returning, but Owens should have a good opportunity to see the field given his talent level.

Head Coach Jimbo Fisher underscored the Aggies’ versatility in the backfield with Owens, Amari Daniels, and Le’Veon Moss. While Fisher and Bobby Petrino will likely leverage a by-committee approach throughout the season, the expectation is that Daniels and Moss will shoulder the primary load of the carries. But don’t expect that to remain the status quo as the season progresses.

One of the immediate takeaways from last week’s open fall camp scrimmage was how Owens stood out among the three tailbacks. With an impressive display of his patience, vision, and ability as a pass-catcher, the true freshman looked like anything, but when the practice was all said and done. While Daniels and Moss provide the best sense of security and experience ahead of a pivotal season, Owens’ upside will inevitably be too enticing to ignore.

As the first five-star running back to commit to the Maroon and White since Trey Williams in 2012, Fisher and Bobby Petrino would be remiss not to scheme a few plays to give Owens the ball. Petrino echoed how the offensive philosophy this season was “FTS,” or “Feed The Studs.” From the early looks of it, Owens is equipped to be one of the studs worth feeding in 2023.

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes, and opinions. Follow Pete on Twitter: @PeteThreee.

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Texas A&M Football 2023 Position Preview: Running backs; an excess of four and five-star talent

Texas A&M has some big shoes to fill in the backfield, but the Aggies are well situated with two experienced running backs and a true freshman with star upside.

Texas A&M kicks off the 2023 college football season in just under two months, and while the offseason is nearing its conclusion sooner than later, it’s time to preview what Jimbo Fisher and his staff will be working with from a roster perspective.

The Aggies featured one of the college football’s fastest running backs last season. Still, his departure opens up a handful of opportunities for the returning tailbacks and one incoming freshman whose upside is sky-high.

Returning production:  Junior Amari Daniels returns after appearing in six games for the Aggies last season, totaling 36 carries for 200 yards with an average of 5.6 yards per attempt. Across two seasons with the Maroon and White, Daniels has averaged 5.7 yards per carry as he prepares to take on an elevated role within the offense.

Sophomore Le’Veon Moss gives the running back room an extra dose of experience after appearing in seven games for Texas A&M last year. He finished with 27 carries for 114 rushing yards and a touchdown, averaging 4.2 yards per carry.

Though his opportunities were limited, Earnest Crownover rounds out a trio of returning tailbacks in what will be his fourth season in Aggieland. Throughout his collegiate career, Crownover has logged ten carries for 35 yards to go alongside one reception for 25 yards.

Departures:  The Aggies will have significant shoes to fill after De’Von Achane declared for the 2023 NFL Draft, eventually being selected in the third round by the Miami Dolphins. Achane tallied 196 carries for 1,102 yards and eight touchdowns, with an average of 5.6 yards per carry. He also added 36 receptions for 196 yards and three touchdowns through the air.

Achane finished as the SEC’s third-highest rushing leader in 2022, behind only Ole Miss’ Quinshon Judkins (1,567 yards) and Arkansas‘ Raheim Sanders (1,443 yards).

Final Observation:  Losing an elite talent like Achane stings, but the Aggies should be well situated in their transition with a running back room filled with four and five-star talent. Daniels was a four-star prospect out of Miami Central in the 2021 cycle, while Moss was a four-star in the Aggies’ vaunted 2022 recruiting class.

That experience tandem should only benefit Texas A&M’s true freshman in, Rueben Owens, who profiles as a five-star prospect out of El Campo. During his senior season, Owens rushed for 1,785 yards and 25 touchdowns and was ranked as 247Sports’ top overall running back in the country. He’s progressed significantly through spring football that he should be in the rotation as a true freshman, with the potential to be one of the Aggies’ top two backs by season’s end.

New offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino is expected to improve the offense and aid Jimbo Fisher in being a more effective game manager, and a versatile running back room with experience and tremendous upside should play a vital role in that task.

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Is Texas A&M true freshmen RB Rueben Owens set to become a breakout star in 2023?

It’s only a matter of time before 5-star true freshman RB Rueben Owens breaks onto the scene for the Aggies in 2023.

Texas A&M leaned heavily on a few true freshmen last season as they ended the year on a high note. Now as the Maroon and White enter a critical 2023 season, another true freshman could be on the radar as the next breakout star in college football.

According to Josh Prate of 247Sports’ “The Late Kick,” Aggie fans would be wise to keep an eye on true freshman running back Rueben Owens next season. While it’s not a given that every first-year player can break out onto the scene, Prate believes the opportunity ahead of Owens works in his favor.

“I think he will play this year…It’s a situation where they had Devon Achane leave and go to the NFL.”

Prate was also keen to preach patience when it comes to Owens’ workload, as the tailback out of El Campo is likely to work his way into the rotation.

“It may not be that he has 30 carries in Week 1, that’s not what I’m telling you…What I’m telling you is I think they will, not so subtly, ease him into the rotation and, by season’s end, he very well will be their best tailback.

While Amari Daniels will likely operate as RB1 at the start due to his experience, Aggies Wire did mention that both Le’Veon Moss and the aforementioned Owens should make an interesting battle for carries.

While Jimbo Fisher and Bobby Petrino would be wise to lean on experience, Petrino in particular has a knack for scheming his offense around his best talent.

Owens was a five-star RB and the Aggies’ second-highest-ranked signee in the Class of 2023 for a reason: his talent on the field is off the charts. After logging 7,000-plus rushing yards and 100-plus touchdowns in high school, he’s the perfect solution when it comes to filling the void left by Achane (1,102 rushing yards, eight touchdowns).

Fisher and Petrino need to show that this partnership will work, and a turnaround season would brew some confidence when it comes to the trajectory of this program. You need your most talented players on the field in order to achieve that goal, so it’s likely a question of “when” and not “if” their true freshman running back will carve out a significant starting role.

Owens is putting on the pads for the first time Monday afternoon for Spring ball. While it may take a minute for him to ramp up when it comes to snaps, don’t be surprised if he puts the rest of the SEC on notice by the end of the season.

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes, and opinions. Follow Pete on Twitter: @PeteThreee

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Texas A&M Spring Football 2023: Running back position breakdown

The Aggies will use spring ball to determine the Week 1 starter in the backfield. We break down how the current roster is shaping up at RB.

Spring football for Texas A&M is well underway, which means it’s every fan’s obligation to parse through the depth chart ahead of what will be an important 2023 season. Thankfully, we’ve got you covered by breaking down each positional battle, with this deep-dive focusing on the talent in the backfield.

Who will be the starting running back for the Maroon and White come Week 1 should be top of mind for A&M’s coaching staff, and it’s surely a hot topic among the Aggies faithful. With junior Devon Achane departing College Station after declaring for the NFL Draft, it’s up to Jimbo Fisher, Bobby Petrino, and staff to replace the production of 1,102 yards and eight touchdowns on the ground.

With that goal being vital, let’s take a look at how the current running back position shapes up for the Aggies:

Returners (2022 season stats)

  • Junior Amari Daniels: 36 carries, 200 yards, 5.6 yards per attempt
  • Sophomore Le’Veon Moss: 27 carries, 114 yards, 4.2 yards per attempt, 1 rushing touchdown

Departures

  • Junior Devon Achane (declared for the 2023 NFL Draft)

Incoming additions

  • Freshman Rueben Owens II (5-star recruit, Class of 2023)

Key thoughts and predictions:

Replacing Achane’s production is not going to be an easy feat, as he proved to be not only vital to the Aggies’ offense but was arguably one of the best running backs in the SEC. Fisher and Petrino could very well lean on a committee approach in the backfield, but deciding on a starter may come down to whether it’s right to stick with experience or go with the most overall talented back.

If we’re assessing solely on talent then the edge goes to incoming freshman Owens. He is a five-star recruit for a reason, and we’ve seen true freshmen are more than capable of playing important snaps for the Aggies. In a very important 2023 season, however, does Fisher want to take the risk of leaning too much on inexperience?

For that reason, I’d be more comfortable rolling with Daniels as the starter. I like what Moss brings to the table, and the overall running back room should only get a competitive boost with Owens, but Daniels has experience in his back pocket and is a strong, compact runner.

My belief is that Daniels is the Week 1 starter with Moss splitting snaps here and there. Once Owens gets his footing, his talent could prove too good to ignore and he may wind up being the RB1 come season’s end.

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes, and opinions. Follow Pete on Twitter: @PeteThreee

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