The Ags bring back several legit backfield weapons in 2024
The first Texas A&M football practice of fall camp is today, so it’s a perfect time to continue our 2024 position preview series. Today, we focus on one of the most squared away positions on the Aggie roster: running back.
Who did we lose?
Not much.
The only scholarship running back A&M lost from the 2023 roster was senior David Bailey, who had 20 carries for 97 yards and one TD in 2023. The Mississippi State game was the only one in which Bailey had more than four touches. It should also be noted that senior fullback Earnest Crownover is gone (though I don’t anticipate A&M using a fullback in the new scheme).
Who do we bring back?
- Amari Daniels: Senor Amari Daniels may be viewed as having the lowest ceiling of the three main A&M backs, but it should be mentioned that he led the group in touches, rushing yards, receiving yards, yards per carry and touchdowns last season. However much of that can be attributed to Rueben Owens being a true freshman and Leveon Moss missing several games due to injury. Over the back half of the season, he certainly seemed to be in much of a timeshare with the other two backs, and may see even less of that share in 2024.
- Le’Veon Moss: While this should be very much a running back by committee, Moss seems poised to be the leader of that committee entering his third season. He turned heads in the spring game with his physical running, and appeared to be taking more of a featured role in 2023 before being hampered by injury.
- Rueben Owens: The former five-star flashed his potential in 2023, and looks to build on that in 2024 in a revamped Collin Klein offense. Owens seemed particularly adept at catching passes out of the backfield, so it wouldn’t be surprising if that becomes somewhat of his specialty this season. But he has the talent that he will almost certainly force his way onto the field in some capacity, which could also include kick returns.
What other names should we know?
- A&M added Stanford transfer RB E.J. Smith (Emmitt’s son) in the offseason, and he will look to provide valuable experience and depth to an already talented group. Smith also seems like an asset in the passing game as well as pass protection. While he may not carve out a significant role right off the bat, injuries are almost inevitable in the SEC, so if and when one happens, he’s a fantastic bench piece to plug into your lineup.
Overall Grade: A-
While the duo of Isaiah Spiller and Devon Achane in 2021 was insanely talented, this group as a whole is likely even better than that. Achane may be a bit of a unicorn but this group combines still elite-level talent with the physicality and depth that will likely be needed over the course of the season. The Klein offense is known for its creativity in the run game, and if he can bring that to College Station, this unit could prove to be one of the strengths of the Aggie team in 2024.
Check out our other position previews to get you prepped for the 2023 season: