Following Texas A&M's initial preseason practice, junior running back Rueben Owens engaged with the media for the first time in several months. His appearance came after a season where he achieved a personal best of 639 rushing yards and five touchdowns. Owens' remarks focused on the critical importance of accountability in football, not only for personal growth but also for sustaining a high level of performance throughout a player's career.
Owens’ increased role during the previous season began when starting running back Le'Veon Moss sustained a season-ending injury. This followed a career-high 142-yard game for Owens against Mississippi State. Despite some strong initial performances, including 102 yards and two touchdowns against Missouri, the team's running game subsequently faced difficulties, which Owens attributed to both offensive line challenges and his own struggles with maintaining balance. With Moss out for most of the season, Owens acknowledged that his inconsistencies, such as rushing for only 48 yards against Texas and dropping key passes, made him an unreliable asset for the Aggies, potentially costing him a 1,000-yard season.
Moving forward, Owens is set to contend with sophomore Jamarion Morrow for the starting running back role. He expressed confidence that by refining his footwork and improving his vision after the snap, he can not only secure the starting position but also fulfill the expectations associated with his highly-touted recruit status, paralleling the success seen by defensive tackle DJ Hicks.
This dedication to self-improvement and unwavering commitment to growth exemplifies the true spirit of an athlete striving for excellence. By taking ownership of past challenges and actively working to overcome them, Owens demonstrates a positive mindset that can inspire both his teammates and fans. His journey underscores the valuable lesson that perseverance and accountability are key elements in achieving one's full potential, both on and off the field.
