Texas A&M running back Rueben Owens is expected to miss the 2024 season after suffering a lower body injury in one of the Aggies' fall scrimmages, according to ESPN. Owens, who earned All-SEC Freshman honors in 2023, was going to be a key part of Texas A&M's running back rotation this fall.
A former five-star prospect out of Texas' El Campo High School and the No. 2 running back in the class of 2023, Owens played in all 13 games and logged five starts as a true freshman. He finished the year third on the team with 385 yards rushing on 101 carries. His three touchdowns also ranked third among Aggie running backs.
Owens proved a versatile weapon in his first season at Texas A&M. He led all running backs with 12 catches for 109 yards while serving as one of the Aggies' primary -- and most effective -- kick returners, logging 249 yards on 12 attempts.
Though Texas A&M and first-year coach Mike Elko may have trouble replacing Owens' multi-dimensional ability, the Aggies' run game is buoyed by the fact that they return each of their top two rushers from the 2023 season -- even after Owens' injury. Amari Daniels and Le'Veon Moss, who combined for 1,016 of Texas A&M's 1,771 yards rushing a year ago, will be the Aggies' top two options.
Texas A&M also dipped into the transfer portal to add former Stanford running back EJ Smith, the son of former Florida and NFL legend Emmitt Smith. Smith had 109 carries for 557 yards and five touchdowns in four years with the Cardinal. He also brings some pass-catching upside and could fill the third-down running back role for the Aggies.
Depth is thin after those three names. Texas A&M didn't sign any true running backs in its 2024 class and Owens was the only running back to join from the high school ranks during the 2023 recruiting cycle.
