Texas A&M’s 2025 running back room is one of the deepest in the country, led by the return of senior Le’Veon Moss, who, according to coach Mike Elko, is completely healthy and ready to go after being mostly sidelined during this month’s preseason camp. However, Moss is just the head of the snake, as the return of Rueben Owens, Amari Daniels, and EJ Smith fills out the elite backfield.
Yes, Moss is a legitimate Heisman Trophy contender if he stays healthy, knowing that he’ll be running behind an offensive line that is also considered one of the best units nationally. Still, attrition, especially when SEC play begins, is when this depth needs to show its face, as Moss’s snaps should be somewhat limited during the first two games before facing Notre Dame in South Bend.
On Monday, during the first press conference ahead of the 2025 season opener vs. UTSA on Saturday night, Elko spoke to the media. After discussing Le’Veon Moss’s return to the field, the question surrounding how Elko and OC Collin Klein will utilize the diverse skill sets within the running back room produced an honest answer that will be seen heavily during the first two games.
“We’ll have a plan on how we want the carries to go and who we want to get touches. They have certain skillsets, so you have things in mind.”
“Trooper (Taylor) has done a really good job with that. We talk a lot in our building about the need to have a lot of really good running backs.”
After missing all but two games last season, Rueben Owens’ versatility in the passing game will likely result in using more two-back sets, adding another receiver to provide starting quarterback Marcel Reed an extra outlet. Daniels is a downhill runner with the speed to break away for significant gains.
At the same time, EJ Smith, who was reportedly injured during most of last season, has looked explosive in practice, making Trooper Taylor’s snap allocation that much tougher. Another name to watch for is freshman back Jamarion Morrow, who, wth Moss sidelined during the Aggies’ weekend scrimmage, received most of the backfield snaps, showing off his elite quickness and De’Von Achane-like agility upfield.
Texas A&M will host UTSA on Saturday at 6:00 p.m. The game will air on ESPN.
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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: ‘We’ll have a plan’: Texas A&M HC Mike Elko discusses RB snap distribution
Reporting by Cameron Ohnysty, Aggies Wire / Aggies Wire
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