RB: Jahiem White OR CJ Donaldson
The dynamic backfield duo combined for over 1400 yards and 15 touchdowns on the ground in 2023, setting up a key battle in fall camp. Donaldson’s 2023 was a return to form after missing the majority of the 2022 season with a lower leg injury. While 2023 showed good signs from Donaldson, he still struggled in some games.
This led the way for White to start over Donaldson in three games, impressing many while he was at it. Behind and in front of Donaldson, White’s true freshman campaign saw him rush for 842 yards on 109 attempts. Compared to Donaldson’s 798 yards on 171 attempts, White looks like the more efficient runner. The same can be said for White’s receiving game, as he turned five catches into 125 yards and two touchdowns.
These dynamics along with their differences in size (Donaldson is 6’2”, White is 5’7”) paves the way for a thunder and lightning combination in the backfield. It will be interesting to see who ends up with the starting job. Does Donaldson earn it through his power back style? Or does White get the nod thanks to his elusivity?
WR (Z): Preston Fox OR Traylon Ray
Another notable battle comes at the wide receiver position, where Fox and Ray will battle to line up opposite of Hudson Clement. Both Fox and Ray were sparsely used in the 2023 season, but both rose to the moments they were needed. Both players averaged over 14 yards a catch. Both players had less than 30 receptions, with Ray even having less than 20. Both players appeared in 12 games last season and both started five games. So what does each receiver provide over the other in a battle?
Fox has been around longer, entering his fourth season with the program as a redshirt junior. On top of that, Fox has also gained experience with special teams, returning eight kicks for 172 yards. If the coaching staff prefers experience, then Fox could see the nod.
However, Ray has a larger frame than Fox. The 6’1” sophomore also shined in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl with a 75 yard touchdown being thrown his way by Garrett Greene. Maybe there’s more potential with Ray that could lead to him getting the starting job.
Regardless, both receivers are looking for a stronger role in 2024. Expect to see the numbers 7 and 29 more often on gameday.
WLB: Josiah Trotter OR Ben Cutter
Trotter and Cutter may have the toughest position battle out of the entire team. Both linebackers came in the same high school class, with both earning three-star rankings from 247Sports and On3. The difficult part of comparing these athletes is that Trotter missed the entire 2023 season. He sustained a lower leg injury of his own the spring before his freshman season. With a redshirt in tow, Trotter looks to impress in 2024. The argument for Trotter hinges on the potential he has. His father and brother were both drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles, with Trotter Sr. getting four Pro Bowl nods and making a single All-Pro team in a lengthy career. His brother was drafted the same day as WVU’s 2024 Spring Game, where the youngest Trotter intercepted Greene during the first half.
Cutter has a year of production with West Virginia that he can build off of. Appearing in all 13 games, Cutter recorded 56 total tackles, six tackles for loss, two sacks and a pass deflection. The true freshman was the fourth-leading tackler in 2023 while also getting some extra reps on special teams.
While Cutter’s freshman season was certainly impressive, the expectations for Trotter are high. If Trotter shows his potential in fall camp, the starting job will be hotly contested.
