Pearl of the Prairie: Getting to know freshman tailback Rueben Owens

Hailing from El Campo, freshman running back Rueben Owens was the prize of Texas A&M's 2023 signing class, and now that he's on campus, Owens is already turning heads. Courtesy of Pintail Hunting Club, Owens sat down for an exclusive interview as the summer rolls along.

Key notes from Rueben Owens interview

• I’m really excited. High school was a long process, but I’m glad to finally be here and play some ball.
   
• When they first saw me and moved me up to varsity, I was nervous. I was only like 155 pounds as an eighth grader. It only went up from there. I didn’t start taking football seriously until I got to the eighth grade, and since then, I’ve been working my butt off. I’m blessed to be in this opportunity.
   
• The other backs here are good. Amari Daniels is really shifty. Le’Veon Moss runs super hard. I feel like we have one of the best rooms in the country for running backs.
   
• Texas A&M was where I wanted to go. Playing time is going to come, but you have to put in work and show the coaches you belong here. That’s all going to come, but A&M is just the place I wanted to go.
   
• When I was committed to Louisville, the A&M coaching staff never gave up. Coach Tommie Robinson never gave up. He texted me every day. I still had love A&M.
   
• I fell in love with A&M during my eighth-grade year. I stayed for a week-long camp before I was really getting recruited. People said some really nice things about me, and ever since then, I’ve loved A&M.
   
• Making these impressions, that’s just what I do. I put in work. I had to put in a lot of work to get here, so why stop now? You have to keep going and show who you are to the coaches.
   
• Coach Marquel Blackwell is a really funny guy. We got really close in the spring. He had to learn the playbook, and I had to learn the playbook. We really came in at the same time, so we got really close. Blackwell trusts his freshmen a lot of it they put the work in.
   
• The hardest part has been the early mornings. In high school, we didn’t wake up early for workouts and stuff. I’ve adjusted to it though. When I first got here, it was like, “Dang, I have to get up.” Now it’s nothing.
   
• I feel like I’ve gotten stronger during the offseason. We have a great weight program.
   
• Our team, we have a great bond. We all talk good about each other, but for my teammates to say nice things about me, I appreciate that.
   
• Our recruiting class, we had been talking before we got here. When we got here, we clicked and bonded. There was no hate or any of that. It’s special.
   
• Bryce Anderson stood out when I first got here. Evan Stewart was another one. Ainias Smith is a hard worker. Ainias and Demani Richardson both work hard. Jardin Gilbert too. They all work hard. Jacoby Mathews is another. In the weight room, they do extra weight and extra reps. They’re pushing us too, because we also want to be great this year.
   
• It’s going to be a different offense this year. Bobby Petrino is an offensive genius. I swear he sees it differently. He’s on us hard because he wants it to be perfect. He doesn’t want there to be any mistakes.
   
• About two weeks into the spring, that’s when I really started to get it down. In high school, you could just get the ball and run. In college, you have to make certain steps on certain plays.
   
• If I’m a standout this fall, it’s because of the fits and the run schemes. Talent can only take you so far. At this level, it’s the little things that matter.
   
• As far as freshmen to keep an eye on, watch Micah Tease, Jayvon Thomas and Raymond Cottrell. Chase Bisontis is a beast. DJ Hicks is crazy. He’s different.
   
• Noah Thomas is different. That man... He’s going to have a crazy year. He’s like 6-foot-4, but he doesn’t move like it. He’s quick, elusive and goes up and gets it.
   
• Coach Petrino is trying to take advantage of my receiving ability. Running the ball is fine, but being able to run routes is important. Being able to read zones and defenses helps you too.
   
• When we’re watching film, I’ll see Ainias play running back. He’s explosive.