Texas A&M’s running back room after Rueben Owens’s season ending injury

Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko was dealt a significant blow this weekend. ESPN’s Max Olson reported that sophomore running back Rueben Owens , who was slated to earn a starting spot this fall, is expected to miss the season after suffering a lower-body injury. However, an official timetable has yet to be revealed.

Suddenly thin in the backfield, Elko and new offensive coordinator Collin Klein will have to rely on three scholarship backs, including juniors Le’Veon Moss, Amari Daniels, and former Stanford RB and son of Hall of Fame running back Emmitt Smith, EJ Smith, who now looks like one of the more important offseason acquisitions.

Owens, who was the No. 2-ranked running back prospect in the 2023 recruiting class, is by far one of the best athletes on the roster, as his versatility as a pass catcher will likely create a major hole in Klein’s scheme if one of the three backs listed can’t replicate his production.

Here is what each back offers from a skill perspective:

Amari Daniels

Daniels is a downhill runner with excellent balance and impressive second-level agility. After recording 105 carries for 532 yards and six touchdowns, Daniels possesses a workhorse mentality and will be relied on more than ever to move the chains in the rotation.

Le’Veon Moss

Moss’s recent injury issues cause some concern for the fan base, but let’s be clear: this young man is talented enough to carry the load if asked. Size, toughness, and impressive second-level acceleration likely make him the next man in Owen’s absence. In nine games last season, Moss recorded 484 rushing yards and five touchdowns in 96 carries.

EJ Smith

The son of former Dallas Cowboys legend Emmitt Smith, EJ Smith’s injury-riddled career at Stanford resulted in just 557 rushing yards and five touchdowns during his last four seasons. However, one intriguing stat during the 2023 campaign was in the passing game, as Smith hauled in 33 receptions and 242 receiving yards. Smith’s soft hands and route-running prowess will likely result in a large snap uptick as a versatile receiving back in certain packages.

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