Last season saw a second straight year of a rookie running back making a big impact for the Mountaineers, with CJ Donaldson doing so in 2022 and Jahim White taking over the baton in 2023.
Of course, those two are expected to lead West Virginia's charge this fall.
Gold and Blue Nation's roster review series continues this week, but today we'll be focusing on ball-carriers for the Mountaineers, coached by the always-energetic Chad Scott.
C.J. Donaldson Jr.
After averaging just six yards per carry in an injury-shortened season in 2022, Donaldson took a slight step back in 2023. He was very productive at times, topping 100 yards on the ground three times and recording at least one rushing touchdown in nine straight games. Conversely, he was held to fewer than 50 rushing yards four times. The sophomore running back was a semifinalist for College Football's Comeback Player of the Year award.
Donaldson was inactive for most of spring training after undergoing offseason shoulder surgery, but is expected to be fully active by the time fall training begins on July 31.
Jahim White
Few running backs were as impactful or productive as White over the final six weeks of the season for West Virginia. In his first six games, White rushed 25 times for 185 yards, most of which came against Duquesne. From the game against UCF through the bowl game, White took control. He rushed 84 times for 657 yards and three touchdowns, averaging nearly eight yards per run. He became just the third West Virginia running back to rush for 200-plus yards in a game since the school joined the Big 12.
White was named to the preseason All-Big 12 Third Team by Athlon Sports and Phil Steele.
His biggest goal for 2024? To score more points. Another step he needs to take as a sophomore is on third down.
“His pass [protection] “He's got to be just as comfortable picking up the ball and recognizing it as he is delivering it. If he can become a confident three-down back and recognize the different looks and the different ways guys are trying to trick him in pass pro, wow. He's going to be at a whole other level. He's special,” Scott said.
Jaylen Anderson
Anderson appeared in seven games last season but missed the final four games of the regular season. The redshirt sophomore had 147 yards on 44 carries, including 62 in WVU's Backyard Brawl win.
The Perry, Ohio native had shown flashes of potential during his two years as a player but failed to produce sustained results, which led to open and transparent discussions between Anderson and his position coach during the offseason.
“He really knows how he plays, how he practices, how he prepares, and he understands that he hasn't been at his best to date in terms of consistency,” Scott said. “He's shown flashes in practice and games, but he wasn't consistent in practice, and those habits carried over into games and he wasn't able to play at a high level. He knows that. I've always been honest with him.”
While Donaldson and White will be WVU's primary players, Anderson could also see time on special teams — at least, that was the idea floated by Neal Brown back in April.
Completing the depth chart
- Judah Price
- Clay ash
- Trayvon Dunbar
- Diore Hubbard
Notable retirees
- Justin Johnson Jr.
- DJ Oliver
Review of previous position groups
For daily roster analysis this week, visit GoldAndBlueNation.com. All coverage is also available in the free Gold and Blue Nation app, available for download on Apple and Android devices.
