Marshall University running backs including Judah Price (10) run a drill during football practice Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026, at the Chris Cline Athletic Complex in Huntington.
Marshall University running back TJ Lester (right) works through a drill as running backs coach Rod McDowell (left) observes Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026, at the Chris Cline Athletic Complex in Huntington.
Marshall University running backs including Judah Price (10) run a drill during football practice Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026, at the Chris Cline Athletic Complex in Huntington.
Marshall University running back TJ Lester (right) works through a drill as running backs coach Rod McDowell (left) observes Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026, at the Chris Cline Athletic Complex in Huntington.
The New York Times’ college football Freaks List ranked Marshall University defensive lineman Braydin Ward among the best freak athletes in the country after he ran a 4.61 40-yard dash, jumped a 34-inch vertical and back-squatted 550 pounds in the offseason, but running back Judah Price drew attention after Tuesday’s practice for being another guy who’s built different.
“He’s a freak of nature,†offensive lineman Jalen Slappy said. “Braydin Ward was on the Freaks List, but Judah should’ve probably been on it, too. In the weight room, if you see him, he’s insane. His body is insane for how little he is. He’s a freak. Staying up off the ground, Judah is a great player. He’s grown a lot. He’s one of the most improved players from last year. He learned and understands his role now.â€
The 5-foot-9 sophomore running back is a former state champion wrestler and generates plenty of power for the running backs room. Quarterback Zion Turner put it simple.
“Judah Price, man, he’s probably the strongest guy on the team per metric unit,†Turner said. “He has me in there some days making me lift even more.â€
Slappy said lead running back Jo’Shon Barbie’s leadership has helped with the progression of the younger players.
“It’s really led by Jo’Shon Barbie. Jo’Shon got him every day after practice, and he got the O-line to meet with them yesterday,†Slappy said. “I like the leadership there. Jo’Shon is taking over, and he’s got the younger guys with him. They’re falling right in, and everybody wants to be great.â€
It’s a boon for running backs coach Rod McDowell as while the Thundering Herd trimmed down in the running backs room, new faces such as Anthony Quinn, TJ Lester, and rising talents such as Price have helped retool the group alongside its leader in Barbie.
“I feel great. Everybody is competing and having fun. I tell our guys, don’t worry about the trees. Sharpen your ax,†McDowell said. “Every single day, our guys are going at it 24/7. I have a good leadership group as far as Barbie, Judah, TJ Lester and following with Anthony Quinn. The young guys after that have come in and been excellent for us.â€
Price particularly has grown to a point where he looks to be a major contributor in his second season with the Herd alongside Barbie and Lester.
“We need 20 more Judahs,†McDowell said. “I say that to a point where he’s leading every group in every workout. He’s showing up early and getting extra treatment. I tell our guys in the running back room to be a pro, and Judah has been there and accomplished a lot ever since he’s been here.â€
A new addition to the room is former quarterback Koi Fagan. Fagan and Price are Kennedy Award winners known for their powerful rushing ability at the high school level in West Virginia. Fagan amassed over 4,100 all-purpose yards at Martinsburg High School, including 28 rushing touchdowns on 1,848 yards.
“Koi brings a lot of speed and knowledge as he goes from the quarterback to running back position,†McDowell said. “He’s been excellent for us. He’s learning and developing into a running back, but his speed – use your superpowers. He’s got the speed, so use it. It’s been exciting to see him evolve into a complete running back for us this summer.
“Coach Gibson and coach Smith allowed me to take a guy like Koi and put him under my wing, but it ain’t just me. It’s the leadership in the room. When you have Barbie, Judah, TJ and Drew embracing him, it makes the transition easier for him.â€
With blends of speed and power across the room, it’s more depth at yet another position for the Herd where it can slot in whichever back it needs in each situation.
“No one’s the same,†McDowell said. “That’s what I like about our room. We have different elements, and everybody is different. When you have those different tools, man, it’s a good thing to have speed power and the guys who have both. It’s a blessing to have those mixtures of guys to compete.â€
After a rough review from Marshall coach Tony Gibson following the Herd’s first scrimmage, McDowell said the offense had a much better start to the final week of camp.
“Today was better,†McDowell said. “The sense of urgency with the offense starts up front. The trenches dictate where we go, and I tell our running backs that when they lead, we follow. We have to set the tone with our energy and demeanor every time we touch this field. We have to bring that energy for this team.â€
Slappy echoes the connection between the line and the running backs, calling them his favorite group.
“I really love our running backs. I’m glad we had Jo’Shon stay and Judah stay,†Slappy said. “Adding TJ – he’s a really good player. I’m glad they stayed. They know a lot, and they’re trying to learn a lot, too. We lost the two backs last year, so they want to learn and get better.â€
Tyler Kennett is a sportswriter for HD Media. Reach him at tkennett@hdmediallc.com. Follow @tylerkennett on X.
