The running back position has always been one of high risk. And in just the past week, the Top 2 running back recruits from the Class of 2023 suffered major injuries that leaves both out for the entire 2024 college football season.
Texas A&M running back Rueben Owens suffered a lower-body injury during a team scrimmage on Saturday. Owens burst onto the scene as a freshman last season, racking up 743 all-purpose yards and three touchdowns. He played in all 13 games and logged five starts as a true freshman, while going on to earn SEC All-Freshman honors in 2023.
Owens’ injury comes a few days after Texas running back CJ Baxter suffered a knee injury in practice Tuesday that will require season-ending surgery, the school announced Wednesday. An MRI revealed Baxter injured the lateral and posterior collateral ligaments (LCL and PCL) in his right knee. Last year, Baxter became the first true freshman to start a season opener for the Longhorns since Ricky Williams in 1995, before leaving the Rice game with a rib injury after five carries for 38 yards.
According to the Class of 2023 247Sports rankings, Baxter and Owens ranked No. 1 and No. 2, respectively, at the running back position nationwide.
Now, both players have seen their expected break-out seasons come to an end.
The Aggies begin their season on Aug. 31 in College Station against Notre Dame, while the Texas Longhorns begin their 2024 campaign on Aug. 31 against Colorado State in Austin.
