During a spring press conference, the Texas A&M running back discusses his recovery from an injury.

Spring football press conferences are a staple for college football programs across the country. It’s during these moments that players get the opportunity to discuss their progress, highlight their goals for the upcoming season, and, perhaps most importantly, share the journey they’ve had during the offseason. For Texas A&M running back, Rueben Owens, the 2024 season was a mixed bag, filled with promise and potential that was cut short by a series of injuries. However, as the Aggies gear up for the 2025 season, Owens is ready to share the details of his recovery and the challenges he overcame to get back on the field, stronger and more determined than ever.

At the spring press conference, Owens took a few moments to reflect on his injury-plagued 2024 season, discuss his rehabilitation process, and detail how he plans to approach the 2025 campaign. There was a sense of optimism surrounding his words, a belief that his recovery is not just physical, but mental as well. After all, returning from an injury is never just about getting healthy; it’s also about regaining confidence, trust in your body, and preparing for the grind that is the college football season.

In this article, we will dive into the key takeaways from Rueben Owens’ discussion during the spring press conference, exploring his thoughts on his recovery, the mental challenges of bouncing back from an injury, the support system he relied on, and his expectations for the 2025 season. This will provide an in-depth look at how Owens is approaching the next chapter of his college football career and why the Aggies’ fanbase has every reason to be excited about his return to the field.

1. Owens’ Frustrating 2024 Season

Rueben Owens entered the 2024 season with incredibly high expectations. After a stellar high school career, where he was heralded as one of the top running backs in the country, the Aggies’ coaching staff and fans alike anticipated that he would make an immediate impact on the field. Known for his speed, power, vision, and elusiveness, Owens seemed poised to take on the role of Texas A&M’s primary ball carrier and one of the key pieces of their offensive scheme.

Unfortunately, things didn’t go as planned for Owens. Just as he was starting to find his rhythm early in the season, injuries started to take a toll. He battled through a nagging hamstring issue, which limited his speed and explosiveness, and later in the year, a knee injury further set him back. These injuries kept Owens from reaching the heights many had expected and forced him to watch from the sidelines more often than he would have liked.

“I came in ready to go, ready to make an impact. I had a lot of expectations for myself,” Owens said at the spring press conference. “But football is a game of injuries, and it’s something you can’t really predict. When you get hurt, it’s frustrating because you can’t do the things you know you’re capable of. It’s a mental battle too. You want to be out there helping your teammates, and you feel like you’re letting them down when you’re not at 100 percent.”

Owens’ honesty about the frustration he felt is relatable to any player who has had to deal with injuries that keep them from reaching their full potential. For a player as talented as Owens, sitting on the sidelines and watching his teammates fight without him was undoubtedly a difficult experience. However, Owens’ perspective on his situation was one of growth and determination.

2. The Road to Recovery: Physical and Mental Challenges

As the spring press conference continued, Owens opened up about the rehabilitation process that began immediately after his injuries. It wasn’t just about the physical recovery, but also about rebuilding trust in his body. Injuries, especially to key muscle groups like the hamstrings and knees, are hard to shake, both physically and mentally. The toughest challenge for any player is often not just overcoming the physical aspect of injury, but overcoming the fear of re-injury that comes with it.

“I had to work on both aspects: physically getting back to where I was before, and mentally learning to trust my body again,” Owens explained. “After being hurt, you’re always thinking about it, especially in practice. You don’t want to overcompensate or push too hard and risk hurting yourself again, but you also don’t want to be too cautious. It’s a fine line, and that’s the hardest part.”

For Owens, this meant long days in the training room, working closely with the Aggies’ medical and strength staff to get his body back to full health. His rehab regimen was intense, focusing on regaining flexibility, strength, and explosiveness. Owens also had to condition himself mentally, ensuring that he was not only physically ready to perform but also prepared to handle the mental hurdles that come with getting back on the field after a significant injury.

“I knew I had to get back to the point where I could move the way I want to and play at the highest level possible,” Owens said. “It wasn’t just about running and lifting weights. It was about getting comfortable again in the way I move and feeling confident that I won’t get hurt again.”

Mentally, Owens had to push through a different set of challenges. Injuries often leave players second-guessing themselves, especially when they come back and are faced with contact situations that trigger memories of past injuries. Learning to trust his body again was something Owens worked on every day, and it’s clear that it was a process that took time.

3. The Importance of Support Systems

One of the most important factors in any athlete’s recovery from an injury is the support system they have. For Owens, this meant relying on the Texas A&M coaching staff, medical team, and his teammates to get through the toughest moments.

“I couldn’t have done it without the support of my coaches, my teammates, and the training staff,” Owens said. “When you’re dealing with an injury, you’re not going through it alone. There’s a whole team behind you, and that support really makes a difference. I’ve got guys who’ve been in my shoes, who have gone through injuries and come out on the other side. They give you advice, they check in on you, and they remind you that you’re not alone in this.”

Owens also pointed out the importance of his family in his recovery process. They provided the emotional stability and encouragement he needed when things felt tough. Being able to lean on loved ones when he needed to was a huge factor in helping Owens maintain his focus and determination.

“I don’t think I’d be where I am now without my family. They kept me grounded and motivated when it was hard,” Owens added. “They reminded me why I play the game and how far I’ve come. That gave me the strength to keep pushing through the hard days.”

4. Preparing for 2025: Looking Ahead

With the 2025 season just around the corner, Owens is focused on the future and what he can contribute to the Aggies. He has spent the offseason focusing on getting back into peak form and is excited to prove himself on the field once again. Owens understands that the upcoming season is crucial, not just for him but for the entire team.

“My goal is to come back stronger, faster, and more explosive than ever before. I want to prove that I’m one of the best running backs in the country,” Owens said confidently. “The team is really looking forward to 2025. We’ve got some great talent, and I know we’re all ready to take that next step. I’m excited to be a part of that.”

As for what fans can expect from Owens in 2025, he plans to take full advantage of his opportunity, showing that he’s not just back, but better than before. He’s aware of the high expectations that are always placed on his shoulders, but he is determined to live up to them.

“I’ve always believed in myself, and I know what I’m capable of,” Owens said. “I’m just focused on making sure I can stay healthy and contribute to the team in every way possible.”

 A Bright Future Ahead

Rueben Owens’ journey from injury to recovery has been an inspiring one. While the setbacks of 2024 were frustrating, they’ve only made him stronger—both physically and mentally. With a year of recovery under his belt and a full offseason to prepare, Owens is poised to take on a much bigger role for Texas A&M in the 2025 season. His combination of skill, work ethic, and determination will undoubtedly make him a key player for the Aggies, and the Texas A&M fanbase can look forward to watching him thrive in the upcoming season.

With his confidence restored and his body fully healed, Owens is ready to put 2024 behind him and make a name for himself as one of the top running backs in college football. The future is bright for Rueben Owens and the Aggies as they head into the 2025 season, and Owens is prepared to prove that he is a force to be reckoned with on the field.