Texas A&M’s biggest offseason question, outside of starting quarterback Marcel Reed’s progress as a passer, was the health of senior star running back Le’Veon Moss, who, after eight games last season, tore his ACL and MCL during the Aggies’ road loss to South Carolina, which essentially derailed the coach Mike Elko’s inaugural campaign.
Moss was on his way to passing the 1,000-yard mark for the first time in his college career before going down, while Texas A&M’s 7-1 start was primarily due to the Louisiana native’s production, tough running style, and ability to make positive gains off even the most minor holes provided by the offensive line.
Throughout the summer, Moss, who stated multiple times that he was “100% healthy,” was put on a strict practice schedule, which included no live hits during the entire preseason to prevent any potential setbacks. Mike Elko and OC Collin Klein deserve credit for keeping Moss fresh until the season, which has continued to pay off.
After receiving just three carries during the Aggies’ season-opening win over UTSA, Moss has resumed his role as the offense’s bell cow, receiving 51 carries and producing five touchdowns, including three during A&M’s 41-40 road win over Notre Dame. During the Week 5 16-10 victory over Auburn, Moss led the game with 139 rushing yards and the Aggies’ one touchdown, averaging 6.6 yards per carry.
On Saturday, the Aggies will host Mississippi State (4-1, 0-1) in a game that could turn into a high-scoring contest, and they will need a balanced offensive attack that will include another 10-plus carry game for Moss. On Wednesday, Elko spoke during his weekly Aggie Radio Show appearance, praising Moss’s success this season amid a rough road back.
“It’s great to see him hitting his stride. He’s a really good player. He’s grown as a man. He’s always been this talented, but not always this productive. He’s the model in this program now. He’s early, has a great mindset, is locked into what we’re saying, and all of it goes a long way in how he’s playing.”
This is quite the praise for a player recruited by former head coach Jimbo Fisher, who could have easily entered the transfer portal after Elko took over, but stayed the course, put the work in, and has slowly but surely become one of the top running backs in the country over the past two seasons.
Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Cameron on X: @CameronOhnysty.
This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: ‘He’s grown as a man’: Texas A&M HC Mike Elko praises his star running back
Reporting by Cameron Ohnysty, Aggies Wire / Aggies Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
