With one of the best offensive lines in the state leading the way, there is no question that the U-High Cubs are going to lean heavily on the ground attack this upcoming season especially with not one, but two workhorse running backs in Sage Ingram and Corbin Odell.
Both running backs could start for mostly any other high school program in the state and they have to be sharing the same backfield. Sage Ingram is flying under the radar as one of the best Class of 2026 running backs in the state of Louisiana. At 6’0, 200 pounds with 4.45/40 speed, Ingram has both size and speed. He also is a smooth runner in between the tackles and when he hits the second level of the defense. Not to mention, Ingram is a great back in getting yards after contact.
“My on field awareness as well as my power and speed are my biggest strengths.”
U-High 2026 RB Sage Ingram
His counterpart Corbin Odell is also a name to watch. At 5’10, 190 pounds with 4.5/40 speed, Odell is making his mark as one of the best upcoming running backs in the state for the 2027 class. Like Ingram, Odell can beat opponents with his speed and his power. When it comes to running the football, Odell runs with 100% and gives it everything he has.
“When I get the ball, I am just trying to get yardage. If we need to get three yards for the first down, I am going to do whatever it takes to get that.”
U-High 2027 RB Corbin Odell
Despite having to share carries, both running backs believe that giving each other rest only makes them better and fresher for a full game. They both love sharing the backfield and that they complement each other every time they touch the rock as they are both similar runners.
“I know that I am a capable back and a tough runner that can make you miss, but at the same time, I can block, catch, and much more. I complement Corbin well because he is so much like me. He is a tough runner that runs well behind his pads and he can make a man miss. Also, with both of us being track guys, we have that breakaway speed as well. We make a duo because it’s unpredictable between us because you can set up a defense for us one way and we always rise to the occasion because we strive off each other.”
U-High 2026 RB Sage Ingram
“When me and Sage are in the backfield, that’s a great thing. He is also an amazing running back and I am also an amazing running back. It’s not like if one running back is out, we lose some kind of edge. No matter who is on the field, they still have to deal with a great running back. You have to have a fresh running back every single time because if he gets tired, I am going to go in and if I get tired, he is going in. You are always going to have to deal with us.”
U-High 2027 RB Corbin Odell
Both are great team players that want the best for each other when they are out there on the field. Last season showed what kind of duo they can be with Ingram making 1st Team All-District honors rushing for 618 yards and six touchdowns on only 82 carries while Odell finished with 733 yards and eight touchdowns on 110 carries. After tasting some success last season, the duo monikered by the team as “Fire and Ice” believe they can take it to the next level in their final season together.
“For one, I want to go out my senior year as a state champion as well as a 1,700 yard season. I know this is a really achievable goal considering the offensive line that is in front of me, but I don’t want to put a cap on myself. I want to go far and beyond that.”
U-High 2026 RB Sage Ingram
“Last year, I had a slow start to the season because it was my first year on varsity, but towards the end, I started to get a lot more yards and a lot more touchdowns. Coming into this year, I want both me and Sage to have over 2,000 yards.”
U-High 2027 RB Corbin Odell
Both Ingram and Odell are confident not just because of what they did last year, but also what they both did during the offseason. Ingram received his first offer from Kentucky State while Odell received his first offer from Grambling.
“I went to the Grambling camp and did what I needed to do get that offer.”
U-High 2027 RB Corbin Odell
“I would love to receive an offer from any Power Five school because I am more than capable of playing ball at that level. I’ve had teams like South Alabama, Texas Tech, Northwestern State, and Navy take interest in me, but I also have an offer from Kentucky State.”
U-High 2026 RB Sage Ingram
Ingram also received an offer to play in the 2025 Gridiron Football after a standout performance at our Gridiron Football Elite Camp early in February earlier this year.
“It was a blessing to be out there at the camp and to compete with those guys at a high level. I feel that it made me better and it translated onto the field.”
U-High 2026 RB Sage Ingram
“I feel that it is a blessing to play in the Gridiron Football All-American Bowl Game. It’s one last chance to suit up in a high school uniform. It’s a blessing to be able to do that with some of my guys and I am thankful for that.”
U-High 2026 RB Sage Ingram
Meanwhile, Odell is attracting a lot of attention heading into his junior year with not only a Grambling offer, but recognition from other college coaches.
“Heading into my junior year, there are a lot of schools that have been reaching out to me so that’s been fun. I would like to get an offer from schools like Southern, UL, Louisiana Tech, and some of the schools around here.”
U-High 2027 RB Corbin Odell
As crazy as the fact that they are two similarly talented running backs both with college attention, it is no coincidence that they compared themselves to arguably the top running back duo in the NFL right now.
“As a running back, I see a lot of myself in David Montgomery. The way he runs is so similar to my game. He is willing to punish any guy that gets in front of him, but he also displays the ability to make defenders miss and can outrun them as well, but what I see most is his IQ and his savvy for the game. Not to mention, he has great hands as well.”
U-High 2026 RB Sage Ingram
“I like Jahmyr Gibbs. He is shifty, but fast. I like to try and implement that into my game and try to do some of the stuff that he does. I also like Ashton Jeanty. He never gets knocked off balance. I am also trying to implement that as well into my game.”
U-High 2027 RB Corbin Odell
To elevate their game to the next level, the running back duo of Ingram and Odell have worked on an aspect of their game during the offseason.
“I like to work on my footwork and lifting weights. I am also working on my balance.”
U-High 2027 RB Corbin Odell
“I’ve worked a lot on my agility and elusiveness because i feel that was part my game that I needed to improve on.”
U-High 2026 RB Sage Ingram
Ingram and Odell are both anxious for the upcoming season as they both have thanked their family, their coaches, and teammates in order to be in the position they are in, and both want nothing more than to repay them with a state championship.
“What I’m looking forward to the most my senior year is the memories I am going to make with my teammates this season and holding that trophy in the Dome because we didn’t even have an opportunity last season.”
U-High 2026 RB Sage Ingram
“I am surprised to see how the team came together. Over my three years being at U-High, I feel that this is the best overall team that we ever had. This team can do something special because we are all connected and together as one. There has been a lot of competition at practice. Every single day, we are competing. Defenses and offenses are going at it every single day. That is what is going to give us that edge every single day.”
U-High 2027 RB Corbin Odell
No matter if it is Sage Ingram entering his senior season or Corbin Odell entering his junior season, both are talented running backs that are among the best in the area and have over a 3.0 GPA as well. They just want the opportunity to showcase their talents at the college level and who even knows, maybe even a reunion in just a couple of years.
“College coaches should recruit me because I am undeniable. I know how to make things work and I bring a lot of energy to the table. I uplift my teammates when they need it the most and I am just an overall good player for the coaches and the team.”
U-High 2026 RB Sage Ingram
“I have the most heart that you will see in a player. I am always working on getting better no matter if I did good or if I messed up. I am always going to look back and see what I performed well at and make sure to replicate it or I am going to ask around and see what I did wrong. I am always looking forward to getting better.”
U-High 2027 RB Corbin Odell
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