Bowling Green, Kentucky, August 14, 2025
News Summary
La’Vell Wright, a seasoned running back, is returning for his final football season at Western Kentucky University (WKU). After a challenging journey that included time at North Hardin High School, the University of Kentucky, and Austin Peay State University, Wright is focused on enhancing his receiving skills to contribute effectively to WKU’s pass-heavy offense. As he prepares for the season opener against Sam Houston, Wright expresses his gratitude for the support he’s received along the way and looks forward to collaborating with his teammates.
Bowling Green, Kentucky – La’Vell Wright Returns for Final Season at WKU
La’Vell Wright, a seasoned running back, is set to take the field for his final football season at Western Kentucky University (WKU), marking a significant return to Houchens-Smith Stadium after an extensive eight-year journey in football. Wright’s career began at North Hardin High School, where he made an impactful debut in 2017. He registered 72 rushing yards on 17 carries and contributed with a 4-yard reception against Bowling Green, facing notable opponents including future Kentucky teammates, Justice and Jordan Dingle.
During his high school tenure, Wright showcased remarkable talent, rushing for 4,396 yards and scoring 56 touchdowns, which cemented his status as a three-star recruit. He was ranked No. 12 nationally as an all-purpose back by Rivals.com and No. 51 running back by the 247Sports Composite when he arrived at the University of Kentucky (UK).
Wright played as a true freshman in 2020, participating in four games and recording 118 yards and one touchdown. He continued to build on his skills during his redshirt freshman season, where he played in all 13 games, accumulating 39 carries for a total of 120 rushing yards. However, an injury caused him to miss the entire 2023 season.
Despite the setback, Wright maintained academic excellence, earning a spot on the SEC Academic Honor Roll throughout his three years at UK. Following his time at Kentucky, Wright transferred to Austin Peay State University (APSU), where he had a successful season. He rushed for 609 yards and five touchdowns on 115 carries and achieved back-to-back 100-yard games against Alabama A&M and Southern Utah.
New Beginnings and Experience
Reflecting on his journey, Wright describes his experiences at APSU as humbling, particularly after undergoing surgery. He brings diverse skills to WKU’s running backs room and highlights the importance of being a reliable all-around player in a competitive environment.
With a focus on enhancing his receiving skills to align with WKU’s pass-heavy offensive strategy, Wright is preparing for the upcoming season opener against Sam Houston on August 23. He views this game as a homecoming, expressing gratitude for the unwavering support he has received from his family and friends.
Collaborative Team Dynamics
Wright emphasizes the unique strengths of his fellow running backs at WKU, noting that they inspire and motivate each other during practices and games. This teamwork is expected to translate into successful performances on the field. As Wright steps into his crucial role, his dedication and experience will be pivotal for WKU’s offense this season.
Career Highlights Summary
| Team/School | Stat Highlights | Years Active |
|---|---|---|
| North Hardin High School | 4,396 rushing yards, 56 touchdowns | 2017-2020 |
| University of Kentucky | 238 rushing yards, 1 touchdown | 2020-2023 |
| Austin Peay State University | 609 rushing yards, 5 touchdowns | 2023 |
| Western Kentucky University | Coming season; preparation underway | 2024 |
FAQ
What high school did La’Vell Wright attend?
La’Vell Wright attended North Hardin High School.
What were Wright’s achievements at North Hardin?
He rushed for 4,396 yards and scored 56 touchdowns during his high school career.
Where did Wright play before transferring to WKU?
He played for the University of Kentucky and then transferred to Austin Peay State University.
How did Wright perform at Austin Peay?
Wright rushed for 609 yards and five touchdowns, including back-to-back 100-yard games.
What is Wright’s focus for the upcoming season at WKU?
He aims to enhance his receiving skills to adapt to WKU’s pass-heavy offense.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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WKU Football Preview: Roster Changes and New Additions
WKU Football Announces Coaching Promotions Ahead of 2025 Season
WKU Football Adds Nine New Players to 2025 Roster
Additional Resources
- Bowling Green Daily News
- WKU Sports
- WNKY
- WKU Sports
- WKU Sports
- Wikipedia: Western Kentucky University
- Google Search: WKU football
- Google Scholar: WKU football
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Western Kentucky University
- Google News: WKU football
Author: STAFF HERE BOWLING GREEN WRITER
The BOWLING GREEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBowlingGreen.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bowling Green, Warren County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Corvette Homecoming, International Festival, concerts at SKyPAC, and sports events at Beech Bend Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce and the African American Museum Bowling Green Area, plus leading businesses in automotive, apparel, and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors Corvette Assembly Plant, Fruit of the Loom, and Med Center Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELexingtonKY.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
