Running to the Palouse

Washington State was Damien Martinez's breakout in 2022. A year later, he leads the Beavers into their most important game in 14 years as a star.

The game is slowing down for Oregon State running back Damien Martinez. At least that’s the way Michael Odle sees it when, tucked away down in North Texas, he tunes in on Saturdays. 

The sophomore, Martinez, is one of the more recent collegiate revelations in Lewisville High School’s football program’s history, and Odle, the school’s head coach of seven years, watches the 6-foot, 235-pound back “religiously.”  

“Looking at him run this year,” said Odle, “it just seems like he's even more competent. His vision is better. He understands the schemes better; how to set up his blocks better.”