Achane’s departure allows new RBs to shine

Running backs have been certainly one of Texas A&M’s strongest positions with a number of star gamers like Isaiah Spiller and Devon Achane over time.

However, the Aggies completed off the 2022 season because the Eleventh-ranked group within the SEC for speeding regardless of Achane being the No. 3 rusher in the whole convention. A&M averaged 141.3 yards per recreation with Achane, Amari Daniels and Le’Veon Moss taking the highest three spots on the group. With some losses following the season, the place might need some bother producing in 2023.

Here’s a have a look at Texas A&M’s RB room heading into 2023:

Key returners: Earnest Crownover (Senior, 6-3, 230) Amari Daniels (Junior, 5-8, 200), Le’Veon Moss (Sophomore, 5-11, 200)

Key losses: Devon Achane (NFL Draft), LJ Johnson (Sophomore, 5-10, 215)

Newcomers: Preston Landis (Junior, 5-10, 206), Rueben Owens II (Freshman, 5-11, 190)

Biggest unanswered query: Who will take Achane’s spot because the No. 1 RB?

With Achane leaving this system to declare for the 2023 NFL Draft, it leaves a gaping gap within the operating again place. Last season, the distinction between Achane and the following main rusher was over 900 yards that means that the Missouri City, Texas native was carrying the load of the place on his shoulders. It’ll be attention-grabbing to see how these up-and-coming operating backs adapt to having a bigger function within the place and the way new commit Owens proves his price within the subsequent yr.

Why 2022 manufacturing could possibly be higher: As new offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino heads to Aggieland, this implies modifications within the offense. Petrino has the additional advantage of younger gamers that he’s ready to mildew to his offense all through spring and summer season exercises. Last season, Daniels confirmed promise final season together with Moss as Achane was sidelined with a minor harm for just a few video games. Daniels’ 5.6 yards per try matched Achane’s which is an efficient signal that the Miami, Fla. native is able to taking up the helm.

The added expertise of Owens to the roster additionally provides the Aggies one other nice operating again to work with subsequent season. With Petrino’s arrival and several other succesful operating backs on the depth chart, the maroon and white could possibly be high quality subsequent yr with out the assistance of Achane.

Why 2022 manufacturing could possibly be worse: As talked about beforehand, Achane leaving goes to make an enormous dent in manufacturing for the Aggies. With celebrity Achane beginning each recreation doable, there merely wasn’t a approach for these youthful gamers to acquire as a lot expertise as they wanted. Daniels solely completed with 36 touches for 200 yards and no touchdowns final yr. Meanwhile, Moss ended the season with 27 touches for 117 yards and a single landing.

There could have to be some give and take because the underclassmen alter to being thrown into beginning positions. Owens is a good addition to the depth chart, nevertheless it’ll take a while for him to prepare for the caliber of play within the SEC when it comes to speeding towards strong defenses. The Aggies have an uphill battle as they hope to proceed the pattern of getting a powerful speeding offense subsequent fall.

Overall outlook: Filling the outlet that Achane left isn’t going to be the simplest job for A&M subsequent yr. However, with just a few upperclassmen and very gifted children, the Aggies may do properly with a giant change like this. Growing pains will certainly hinder the group in the course of the first few matchups however as that begins to put on off, be ready to see some nice speeding performances subsequent season from this group of gamers.