As the Texas A&M Aggies prepare for the upcoming football season, their running back room has demonstrated significant improvement during preseason practices. A standout among the group is redshirt junior Rueben Owens, who had a productive season last year, rushing for 639 yards and five touchdowns. Owens has openly acknowledged his previous mistakes, particularly his dropped passes that contributed to the team's losses in crucial games against Texas and Miami in the College Football Playoff (CFP).
In addition to Owens, rising sophomore Jamarion Morrow is making a strong case for the starting running back position. Morrow has showcased his impressive speed and physicality, particularly during the Maroon & White Game, where he demonstrated his ability to make quick, decisive cuts. As the competition heats up over the next two weeks, Owens currently holds an edge, but Morrow's performance keeps the battle for the starting role intriguing.
Among the other notable players in Texas A&M's running back room is former five-star recruit KJ Edwards, who has also been turning heads during practice. However, it is redshirt freshman Tiger Riden Jr. who has garnered attention for his blocking skills and physical presence. Standing at 5'10" and weighing 219 pounds, Riden is the heaviest running back on the roster, and his ability to protect the quarterback and create running lanes could be crucial for the Aggies.
New offensive coordinator Holmon Wiggins recently spoke about Riden's journey back from injury and highlighted his powerful running style. Wiggins expressed his surprise at Riden's performance, noting that the running back had been limited during fall camp due to injuries. "We’ve been getting some stuff from Tiger Riden, who was a guy that, in my opinion, shocked me coming in because we didn’t see much of him in fall camp. A couple of injuries kind of held him out, and now you get a chance to see him. He’s a big, powerful guy that gives us a little different dimension, a little changeup as a big back," Wiggins stated.
The Aggies are in dire need of more physicality from their running backs, especially with four new starters on the offensive line. Establishing a strong running game will be vital for the team's success, and Riden's unique skill set could play a significant role in achieving that goal. As the season approaches, Texas A&M's coaching staff will be looking to leverage Riden's strengths to enhance their offensive strategy.
Overall, the development of the running back room is a promising sign for Texas A&M as they aim to improve upon last season's performance. With players like Riden stepping up, the Aggies could have the depth and versatility needed to compete effectively in the upcoming season.
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