Texas A&M’s backfield is crowded enough that the real challenge isn’t finding production. It’s finding the right way to spread it around.
Mike Elko and offensive coordinator Holmon Wiggins are in the middle of sorting through a running back room that has plenty of dependable options and, after strong recent weeks from Jamarion Morrow and KJ Edwards, even more pressure to make sure the workload is distributed in the right way. The problem for the Aggies is the kind every coach wants: too many backs who can help.
Elko has already made clear what he thinks of Morrow. “He’s got a low center of gravity,” Elko said.
“I think he’s a physical ball carrier. I think he finishes runs forward.
He’s a kid we had really high expectations for.”
Edwards has also earned his share of trust. A few weeks ago, Elko described the freshman’s rise this way: “We wouldn’t play him if we weren’t (comfortable),” Elko said. “Credit him for rising to the challenge.”
That leaves Texas A&M heading into Tuscaloosa with four backs who can justify touches, and each one brings something a little different to the table.
Owens has the kind of speed that changes how a defense has to play the edge. His track background shows up in the way he can accelerate past defenders, and his mix of straight-line burst and lateral movement makes him tough to pin down once he gets going. He has also been the most durable presence in the group, piling up the most carries while grinding out 314 yards.
Edwards, meanwhile, has been the most efficient runner in the group so far. He leads the Aggies with 317 rushing yards and is averaging 6.7 yards per carry.
For a freshman, he has handled the offense quickly and gives Texas A&M a back who can react fast when the line doesn’t create a lane right away. His change of direction has stood out, and he has even drawn comparisons to Jahmyr Gibbs as a dual threat.
Morrow’s role has looked a little different. He missed two games because of a short injury, but when he’s been on the field, he’s shown why the staff had high expectations for him.
His short-yardage work against The Citadel showed what he can do with his strong lower body, especially near the goal line, where he can drive through traffic. He also brings value in the passing game with good hands and the ability to run routes.
Then there’s the other freshman, who has made an impression with his physical style and has even the look of a possible three-down back. His blocking has stood out, along with the patience he shows when the run calls for balance between the inside and outside game. He also owns the longest rush by any Texas A&M running back this season, a reminder that he can hit the accelerator too.
For now, the only certainty is that Elko said everything is on the table. Whether that means more work for the No. 2, No. 3, and even No. 4 backs remains to be seen, but the Aggies clearly have options - and plenty to think about before deciding how the rotation should look moving forward.
In Other News...
Mike Elko Just Spotlighted An Aggie Who Could Matter Vs Alabama
After a 41-0 win over The Citadel, Texas A&M had plenty to like on the offensive side, from Marcel Reeds efficient afternoon to freshman Aaron Gregorys two touchdown catches. But one of the more noteworthy postgame notes came from Mike Elko, who singled out sophomore receiver TK Norman for his development and the kind of work hes been putting in behind the scenes.
Norman answered with a career-high five catches for 88 yards, giving the Aggies another useful option in a receiver room whose depth is still worth monitoring. The next step is availability, with Ashton Bethel-Roman and Mario Craver both set to get an update after the upcoming injury report, and that could shape how much Norman's role matters when Alabama arrives. [Read more 🡒]
Alabama Defense Is About To Test Texas A&M's Biggest Weakness
Texas A&M heads into a far bigger measuring stick after cruising past The Citadel 41-0 and turning its attention to No. 13 Alabama. The Aggies have reason for confidence on the surface, but the spotlight quickly shifts to Marcel Reed, whose road performances have been a concern throughout the season. He has taken multiple sacks away from home and has struggled to generate consistent passing efficiency, leaving Texas A&M with a clear question as it steps into a much tougher atmosphere.
Mike Elko has already said Reed will keep the starting job, so the issue is less about a quarterback change than whether the Aggies can protect him and help him settle in against one of the better defenses on the schedule. Alabama is exactly the kind of opponent that can expose those flaws, and this game should show whether Texas A&M can hide its biggest weakness or if it will be forced to live with it for another week. [Read more 🡒]
Texas A&M Heads To Alabama With One Big Offensive Question
Texas A&M kept rolling in Week 7 with a 41-0 shutout of The Citadel, giving the Aggies their second blanking of the season and another reminder that the ground game can carry them when things are clicking. Sophomore running back Jamarion Morrow and freshman KJ Edwards helped fuel a 264-yard rushing day, the kind of balance that has given this offense a sturdy floor even when the passing game has been less of a certainty.
Now the test gets a lot bigger with Alabama coming up Saturday, and Marcel Reed is expected to be the starter at quarterback. For the Aggies, the trip to Tuscaloosa comes with the same question that has lingered around this offense all season: can the running game hold up against a defense that is built to take it away, and can Texas A&M get enough from Reed to make the rest of the plan work? [Read more 🡒]