When Texas A&M landed a commitment from Stanford transfer running back E.J. Smith, the son of NFL legend Emmitt Smith, it was a luxury in a stacked running back room.
But last weekend, the decision suddenly became a far more important move. Last week, running back Rueben Owens reportedly suffered a season-ending injury during a scrimmage. The former 5-star posted the second-most carries on the team and finished with 743 all-purpose yards during a sensational freshman campaign.
Following the injury, there's even more need for all-purpose talent. Granted, Texas A&M's top rushers Amari Daniels and Le'Veon Moss are both back in 2024. The pair combined for 1,000 yards and 11 touchdowns on the ground a year ago for Texas A&M.
But heading into a transitional season, Smith helps bring some stability to the Aggies. Smith was a blue-chip player out of Dallas when he committed to the Cardinal. Unfortunately, his arrival coincided with diminishing returns along the offensive line at Stanford.
No running back on the team cleared 500 yards rushing during his three seasons of action post-redshirt and Stanford went a cool 9-27. Smith also suffered a season-ending injury during what looked like a promising 2022 campaign. Now, Smith teams up with Daniels and Moss to create a three-headed monster for Texas A&M under first-year coach Mike Elko.
More significantly, Smith shows the power of finding quality depth in the portal, especially as the season carries on longer. Leaning on flexibility Smit.