Jimbo Fisher Praises 'Very Gifted' Aggies RB Rueben Owens
Never ask Jimbo Fisher which player is his favorite. That's like trying to name a favorite child on a day when two of the three are misbehaving while the other is concocting their next diabolical move.
The running back room will have Fisher's eye for Texas A&M football in 2023. Devon Achane proved that durability wouldn't be a concern at the next level when he rushed for 1,110 yards, totaling over 67 percent of the Aggies' reps.
Amari Daniels and Le'Veon Moss return for another season in Aggieland. Their role as RB1 must be earned, but the same could be said of incoming freshman Rueben Owens, one of 11 early enrollees who's already been indoctrinated in A&M's playbook.
"They all have their strengths and weaknesses. But what I love about Rueben is, one, he is very gifted," Fisher said. "But two, he has a great attitude and understands how to work."
Owens, the No. 3 running back on On3 Sports' recruiting rankings for the 2023 cycle, was a late addition to the Aggies' class, but one needed in terms of depth. The speed, agility, and ability to turn on the jets are uncanny traits for a player of Owen's potential.
So is the maturation of a talent still learning the offense but making an impact in spring practice?
“He is a really intelligent young man, in my opinion," Fisher said of Owens. "(He is) a big-time player and a big-time recruit, but he works his tail off. I have been very happy with his intelligence and his ability to go to work, strain, and learn to give effort on every play and not rely on his talent."
The running back position has always been one of value for Fisher in College Station. Trayveon Williams, Isaiah Spiller and Achane all surpassed the 1,000-yard mark at least once while serving as the lead tailback in Fisher's offense. A&M has also ranked inside the top 50 of rushing three times since 2018.
With the offense changing its concept under new coordinator Bobby Petrino, the run game could play second fiddle behind a more up-tempo passing attack led by rising sophomore Conner Weigman or redshirt junior Max Johnson. Then again, A&M finished a woeful 5-7 in 2022 and hemorrhaged points due to the passing game's inability to connect on early downs.
Fisher, who enters his sixth season with the program, has always been clear that the best player will win the starting job. Owens, who finished his high school career with over 7,000 yards and 100 touchdowns on the ground, very well could fit the bill.
For now, Fisher is looking for consistency in the backfield. All three runners will see reps with the offense. One day, Owens could have a breakout practice and take reps with the 1s. The next day, Daniels or Moss could up their production and prove to be the best option as Achane's immediate replacement.
“It is a constant process in what you are doing," said Fisher. "But I have been very pleased with his demeanor that way. Not just saying that I am a talented guy, and I am just going to rely on my talent.”
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