Richwood snapped its 21-game losing streak with a win over Mount View last week, and 2028 RB Fawkes O’Dell has been a big part of the Lumberjacks’ turnaround. O’Dell has been excellent through the first three games of his junior season, showing good size and athleticism as one of the better athletes in Class A. He’s a small-school running back at one of the smallest programs in the state, but that shouldn’t keep him from getting attention as his production continues to pile up. He’s been one of the best under-the-radar running backs in the state early this season and is capable of putting up big numbers every week.

10 carries 115 yards 2 touchdowns

Fawkes O’Dell Fawkes O’Dell 6'1" | 175 lbs | RB Richwood | 2028 WV was another one of our breakout player predictions to make an immediate impact, rushing for 115 yards and two touchdowns on 10 carries for Richwood in a tough rivalry loss to Webster County. The 2028 RB showed early that he’ll be a focal point for the Lumberjacks’ offense, even with the team coming up short. O’Dell is a player I expect to continue producing big numbers as the season goes on, and I’m confident he can help Richwood get back into the win column.

RETURNING STANDOUT

With Richwood’s top rusher graduated, 2027 RB Fawkes O’Dell Fawkes O’Dell 6'1" | 175 lbs | RB Richwood | 2028 WV has a chance to take over the backfield after showing plenty as the Lumberjacks’ #2 option last season. O’Dell recorded 525 rushing yards and five touchdowns in eight games of available stats, giving him a solid foundation heading into his junior year. O’Dell runs with good balance and doesn’t go down easily, often keeping his feet through arm tackles and contact while having the speed to break into the open field. He’s a very good athlete and can carry them as a junior this year in the ground game.

Fawkes O’Dell Fawkes O’Dell 6'1" | 175 lbs | RB Richwood | 2028 WV heads into his junior offseason at Richwood with a clear opportunity to step into a much larger role after finishing as the team’s second-leading rusher as their #2 option in the backfield. In just eight games of stats available, he totaled 525 rushing yards and five touchdowns, showing the kind of steady production that suggests there is more there as his workload increases. At 6’1 190, Odell has the frame of a feature back and runs with good balance, brushing off arm tackles and keeping his feet moving through contact while still showing enough speed to take advantage of open space. With the Lumberjacks graduating their top rusher, the backfield is now wide open for him to take command. If he embraces that role and continues to develop, Odell has the tools to turn a strong sophomore showing into a breakout junior season.