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Texas A&M HC Mike Elko is 'blessed' to have four talented running backs

Texas A&M HC Mike Elko is 'blessed' to have four talented running backs

USA Today19-07-2025
Texas A&M's 2025 running back room will be headlined by the return of senior back Le'Veon Moss, who, outside of dealing with a minor legal brushup this summer, is reportedly "100%" healthy after sustaining his season-ending lower body injury halfway through the 2024 season. However, Moss will be aided by one of the deepest running back rotations in the country with the return of Reuben Owens, Amari Daniels, and EJ Smith.
During Thursday's SEC media days appearance, head coach Mike Elko was asked about his 2025 running back room, first praising Le'Veon Moss's 2024 performance before his injury, where he led the SEC in rushing with 765 yards, ten touchdowns, and 6.3 yards per carry. Moss's injury significantly altered A&M's offense, placing additional pressure on starting quarterback Marcel Reed to produce through the air, which was challenging given the team's limited reliable receiving options.
It's also important to note that sophomore RB Reuben Owens was also lost for the season, and despite his brief return against Texas and USC in the Las Vegas Bowl, the former five-star was not himself after tearing his ACL during fall practice. How OC Collin Klein will use Owens, who could become a hybrid receiver in certain packages, will determine just how successful the Aggie rushing attack will be.
"There's a lot of quality in that group. It starts with Le'Veon Moss, who was on his way to being the leading rusher in the conference and was one of the leading rushers in the nation when he got injured."
"We're blessed with four really talented backs, and you need them because, in this conference, they come and go really fast."
If Moss can pick up where he left off, Texas A&M is in great shape, while Owens is determined to show the nation that he remains an elite back with first-round NFL draft potential. However, Elko also noted EJ Smith is healthy and back to form, which is good news for those who remember his elite play and versatility during the bulk of his career at Stanford.
Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Cameron on X: @CameronOhnysty.
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