Texas A&M RB Rueben Owens is displaying flashes of his 5-star potential after recovering from an injury, impressing coaches.

Reuben Owens, a highly touted running back out of El Campo, Texas, has been one of the most intriguing and exciting prospects to emerge from Texas A&M University in recent years. Known for his dazzling speed, exceptional vision, and the ability to break tackles, Owens’ potential was clear from the moment he stepped onto the field as a freshman. However, like many young athletes, his career hit a few bumps in the road, including a significant injury that threatened to delay the promise he showed as one of the top running backs in the nation.

Despite those setbacks, Owens has displayed remarkable resilience, and his recent performances have been a testament to his work ethic and talent. As the 2025 season progresses, Owens has begun to show why he was a 5-star recruit, with flashes of brilliance that are reminding fans and coaches alike of his potential to be a game-changer for Texas A&M.

A 5-Star Recruit With High Expectations

Reuben Owens was not just another highly recruited player; he was a standout in every sense of the word. Ranked as one of the top running backs in the country in the 2024 recruiting class, Owens’ combination of size, speed, and agility made him a standout even in a state like Texas, where football is a religion, and the competition is fierce. Standing at 6 feet, 200 pounds, Owens’ physical attributes were eye-popping, but it was his performance on the field that truly separated him from others.

In high school, Owens was a force, rushing for over 2,500 yards and 30 touchdowns in his senior season alone. He was named to numerous All-American teams and was widely regarded as one of the most electrifying players in the nation. Texas A&M, looking to build its program into a powerhouse, saw Owens as an essential piece to their future, and his commitment was a huge coup for the Aggies.

The Setback: An Injury to Overcome

As the 2024 season began, there was a sense of excitement around Owens. Texas A&M had been struggling to regain its elite status in the SEC, and the emergence of a 5-star back was seen as one of the key factors that could help the program take the next step. However, like many young athletes, Owens’ path to greatness was not without obstacles.

Early in his freshman year, Owens sustained a lower body injury that kept him sidelined for much of the season. It wasn’t a career-threatening injury, but it was enough to prevent him from fully participating in games and practices. It was a frustrating setback for the young running back, who had worked so hard to earn his spot and was eager to showcase his talents on the college stage.

During his recovery, Owens kept a positive attitude, spending his time working on his conditioning, film study, and improving his mental approach to the game. While the injury was a setback, Owens made sure that it wasn’t a roadblock to his future. The experience taught him valuable lessons about perseverance and patience, lessons that would prove essential as he made his way back onto the field.

The Return: Showing Flashes of 5-Star Potential

As Owens began to recover and return to the field, those flashes of his 5-star potential started to emerge once again. Despite being slightly behind in terms of game reps compared to other running backs in his class, Owens quickly showed why he was so highly regarded.

1. Speed and Quickness: One of Owens’ defining traits has always been his speed. Whether he’s hitting a hole, turning the corner, or simply outrunning defenders, Owens has the kind of speed that can change the game in an instant. Even after his injury, his burst off the line of scrimmage and ability to break away from defenders has been evident in every game. His ability to explode through the line of scrimmage and accelerate in the open field is something that few defenders can match.
2. Vision and Patience: Owens is not just a speedster; he’s also an incredibly patient runner. His vision, combined with his ability to read blocks and wait for the perfect moment to hit the hole, is what sets him apart from many other running backs. Owens’ maturity in understanding the game has allowed him to make better decisions in the backfield, whether it’s choosing the best running lane or waiting for the right moment to make a move.
3. Contact Balance and Power: While Owens is known for his speed, it would be a mistake to overlook his physicality. Even at his size, Owens is a tough runner who can break tackles and keep his legs moving after contact. Whether it’s bouncing off an arm tackle or plowing through a defender, Owens has shown that he is not only a finesse player but a physical one as well.
4. Receiving Ability: Another underrated aspect of Owens’ game is his ability to catch passes out of the backfield. His hands are soft, and he runs clean routes, making him a dual-threat back that can contribute both on the ground and in the passing game. This versatility makes him a valuable asset in Texas A&M’s offense and a nightmare matchup for opposing defenses.
5. Work Ethic and Mentality: Perhaps one of the most important aspects of Owens’ recovery has been his mental fortitude. Despite the injury and the time missed, Owens remained focused on his goals. His work ethic in the weight room, on the practice field, and his attention to detail in his film study have all been praised by coaches. Even when things weren’t going his way, Owens was committed to improving, and it’s clear that this mindset has paid off as he begins to regain his form.

Coach Jimbo Fisher’s Assessment

Texas A&M head coach Jimbo Fisher, who has coached a number of talented running backs during his career, has been particularly impressed by Owens’ recovery and growth. Fisher has seen firsthand how Owens has worked through adversity, and he’s excited about what the future holds for the young back.

“Rueben has all the tools to be one of the best in the country,” Fisher said. “His speed, his vision, his power, and his ability to catch passes out of the backfield are all things that make him special. But it’s his mentality and work ethic that really stand out. He’s not a guy who’s content with just being good; he wants to be great. And that’s what you want in a player. I’m excited to see where he can take this.”

Fisher’s words reflect the belief that Owens has the potential to become a key piece in Texas A&M’s offensive scheme moving forward. With the right development and a full season of health, Owens has the chance to become one of the top running backs in the SEC and possibly a Heisman contender.

The Road Ahead: What’s Next for Owens?

As the 2025 season moves forward, all eyes will be on Rueben Owens to see if he can continue his upward trajectory. While his injury may have delayed his ascent to the top, Owens has the skills, mentality, and drive to make up for lost time. The Aggies’ offense has shown promise, and with a healthy Owens in the backfield, they could become one of the most potent offenses in the SEC.

For Owens, the challenge now is to stay healthy, continue refining his game, and prove that his flashes of brilliance are not just one-time occurrences but a glimpse into the future. If he can do that, the sky is the limit.