‘23 Top-Ranked RB Rueben Owens II Commits to Louisville

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - The Louisville football program’s already highly-ranked 2023 recruiting class has added yet another elite piece to the puzzle.

El Campo (Tex.) HS running back Rueben Owens II, who is the No. 1 running back in the nation according to multiple recruiting services, announced Monday that he has given his verbal pledge to the Cardinals. Holding 43 total Division I offers, he chose Louisville primarily over Texas, Texas A&M and TCU.

“I have always been a trailblazer, and aimed to create my own legacy on the road less traveled in hopes of inspiring others to believe in themselves,” Owens said on Twitter. “It was the driving force in me making this life changing decision on where to spend the next 3-4 years of my life. Last but not least, I want to thank all of my fans, I appreciate you and look forward to traveling on this journey with you for years to come.”

Louisville extended Owens a scholarship offer this past November, but the Cardinals’ pursuit of him kicked into high gear when they landed fellow 2023 commit quarterback Pierce Clarkson in late January. Clarkson, who has been UofL’s ace player-recruiter in the class, convinced Owens to take an official visit to Louisville, doing so just this past weekend.

The 5-foot-11, 190-pound all-purpose back is now Louisville's top commit in the class, ranking as high as the No. 16 prospect in the class according to the 247Sports Composite.

Not only is landing Owens single-handedly head coach Scott Satterfield’s biggest recruiting win from a rankings standpoint during his tenure, it’s the biggest for Louisville as a whole in 20 years. With a Composite rating of 0.9902, he is Louisville's second-highest ranked recruit in the modern recruiting era, trailing only Michael Bush’s 0.9942 rating in the Class of 2003.

Owens was a force to be reckoned with as a junior for El Campo, putting up absurd numbers on a weekly basis. In 13 games, he rushed for 2,989 yards and 46 touchdowns on 248 carries, averaging 12.1 yards per carry and 229.9 yards per game. He also had 15 receptions for 252 yards and two scores.

Louisville is now back up to a ten-man 2023 recruiting class following Owens’ commitment. According to the 247Sports Composite, four of the Cardinals’ top-17 commits in program history are in the Class of 2023.

(Photo of Rueben Owens II: Ernesto Pacheco - Victoria Advocate)

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