After overcoming injury setbacks, the former five-star recruit flashed elite contact balance on a 40-yard dash, signaling his readiness to dominate the Aggies’ crowded backfield this fall.
Rueben Owens has an opportunity to take on an even larger role in Texas A&M's backfield this season.
And if Saturday was any indication ... he's ready for it.
Owens broke off a run of more than 40 yards during the Aggies' 14th preseason practice as Texas A&M moves closer to its Sept. 5 season opener against Missouri State.
But the distance wasn't necessarily the most encouraging part.
Carter Karels reported that Owens showed improved contact balance during the scrimmage, including on his long run off the left side.
That's worth paying attention to.
Because Owens' path toward this opportunity hasn't exactly been straightforward.
He arrived at Texas A&M in 2023 as a five-star prospect according to 247Sports and immediately found a role, appearing in all 13 games as a freshman.
Owens finished that season with 385 yards and three touchdowns on 101 carries, earning SEC All-Freshman Team honors in the process.
Then came the setback.
Owens suffered a foot injury during Texas A&M's first fall-camp scrimmage in 2024, sidelining him for most of the season before he returned for the Aggies' final two games.
Last season finally offered a better glimpse of what he could do.
Owens led Texas A&M with 639 rushing yards and five touchdowns on 119 carries while appearing in 12 of the Aggies' 13 games.
Now the opportunity could get even bigger.
Owens isn't alone in the Aggies' backfield.
Jamarion Morrow, Tiger Riden and freshmen KJ Edwards and Carsyn Baker are among the other options Texas A&M has at running back, and Morrow gave the Aggies another reason for optimism Saturday.
Karels described the sophomore as a potential change-of-pace option behind Owens after Morrow continued to show his ability in space.
That's a pretty good problem for Texas A&M to have.
But Owens has something the rest of the group doesn't.
He's already led this team in rushing.
And after injuries interrupted one season before he returned to lead the Aggies on the ground the next, Owens now has a chance to turn that production into something more.
A 40-plus-yard run in August won't guarantee anything once the season begins.
It does, however, offer another glimpse of what Texas A&M could have atop its backfield.
And Owens' opportunity is getting closer.
