Interview: 4-Star 2023 RB Rueben Owens is Leaving Texas Defenses in the Dust
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The rushing attack at El Campo High School is fierce. In nine games, the Ricebirds have flown past 4A Texas defenses with 3,287 yards on the ground finding paydirt 45 times. One of the pillars of success for the Ricebirds 8-1 season heading into the playoffs is Class of 2023 tailback Rueben Owens.
Owens might look like a speed back listed at 5-11, 187, but linebackers, safeties, and corners that have tried to take him down will tell you a different story. Owens is power back, scat-back, and an all-purpose player rolled into one. With teams knowing he is touching the ball, he has taken 123 totes for 1,286 yards with 19 trips into the end zone. On the rare occasion El Campo does pass, he’s secured four for 96 yards with an additional touchdown. Filling in as a spot starter at corner, the four-star recruit flexed his athleticism with five stops, three solo, one pass denied, and picked one off. The 4.49 speed has been showcased on special teams with an 83-yard kick return and six punts going the other way for 122 yards posting 21 touchdowns on the season.
Offers have rolled in for Owens in a flurry with 20 on the doorstep. To talk about his amazing sophomore season with an overview on his recruiting, Owens stopped by the RNG Lab for a conversation.
Interview
Rueben, your speed, change of direction, and burst are all amazing to see on the field. Growing up, what sports did you play, even if it was tag in the schoolyard, to develop those rare athletic gifts?
More basketball than football to be honest. I played Little League football but growing up I played more basketball.
Do you compete in any other varsity sports besides football? Are you still playing basketball?
Yes, sir. I play basketball and compete in track.
Which events in track are you competing in?
The long jump, triple jump, 100 meters, and 4×1.
What is your best-timed run in the 100?
Last year I ran an 11.1 my freshman year, but I got faster this year.
No doubt. What is your best 40-yard time?
4.49.
Unlike a lot of speed backs, you are good with contact, but it just happens that you are good at making people miss. How would you describe your overall talents on offense?
Agile; I know how to create space and make plays.
To say the Ricebirds are a run-heavy offensive team might be an understatement. What makes you and Johntre Davis such a dangerous one-two punch out of the backfield?
We both run hard, we both love to score, and we both know how to put up points on the board for our team.
You are getting some snaps on defense as well. Which position are you playing and how are the coaches utilizing your abilities on that side of the ball this season?
I play corner. Our corner last week had to miss the first half, they had me start in his place. I got a pick. They use me at corner because they know I can guard people.
Which game this season has been your best, and why did you pick that one?
The St. Thomas (Houston) game. I had a kick return for a touchdown, a touchdown in the passing game, and two rushing touchdowns for four total scores. We won that game against a big school (TAPPS).
How have you seen your abilities as an offensive player grow during the 2020 schedule?
They have grown a lot. I am stronger, faster, quicker, and more elusive. Another thing, I am not going down on first hit.
The team just closed out the regular season with a 40-21 win over Needville on the road. How is the team looking heading into the playoffs?
We are looking good. I feel we can go all the way.
The first-round matchup for you is against Yates (Houston). Of what you know of them right now, what kind of game are you expecting from the Lions (4-2)?
They will lose.
Enough said. Let’s close on recruiting. Which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?
Ohio State, Oregon, Florida State, and Clemson.
How many offers are you holding?
Twenty.
Which programs were the last few to offer?
It was UTSA, A&M, Texas, and Baylor.
Owens’ Offer Sheet: Arkansas, Auburn, Baylor, Florida, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Houston, LSU, Mississippi State, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Oregon State, Penn State, Texas, Texas A&M, USC, UTSA, Virginia Tech, and William & Mary
Nice run on Texas schools. When visits are allowed again in 2021, which schools would you like to go see in-person?
I am trying to visit Clemson, Florida, and I’d like to visit Oregon.
Rueben, wishing you and the Ricebirds a great run in the playoffs this season. Thanks for your time today.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Owens family; Rueben Owens