Riverside had big shoes to fill out the running back position with last season’s lead rusher Dedric Lastie now at Nicholls State, and senior Jayden Obiekwe has played the part so far in 2025.

Obiekwe was set to be Riverside’s new lead running back after transferring from East Jefferson, but there was uncertainty surrounding his eligibility. The senior missed the first two games of the 2025 season while ineligible, but he was cleared to play in Week 3 and has shined ever since.

Riverside deployed Obiekwe as its primary running back beginning in Week 3 during a win over Class 5A Prairieville, and he’s averaged over 150 yards per game since returning to the field.

“(Obiekwe) just loves the game of football and is selfless,” Riverside coach Lee Roussel said. “He’s got the ability to make

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