After being the most consistent rushing attack in all of the country last season, the Mountaineers return most key pieces in the backfield to run behind yet another dominate offensive line.
Junior, CJ Donaldson
After an incredible breakout freshman season two years ago, Donaldson followed it up with a slightly more productive Sophomore campaign but one that fans thought could have been slightly better. Donaldson did hardly play the last three weeks of the season due to a hand injury so his numbers were slightly skewed because of it.
Last season, Donaldson finished with 798 rushing yards (4.7 ypc), to go with 11 touchdowns.
At 6-foot-2, 238 pounds, Donaldson adds a dynamic of of power to the backfield that opposing defenses had a difficult time stopping, specifically on the goal line. Donaldson was able to score a touchdown in nine straight games during the season and 10 out of the 12 he played in.
Not only does Donaldson bring a great rushing attack with his size, but his power also serves as a great protection option for Garrett Greene in the backfield.
Neal Brown mentioned during the offseason how Donaldson has yet to stay healthy but also stated how the running back is currently healthy and moving better than ever. A healthy CJ Donaldson could once again remind fans just how great he is.
Sophomore, Jahiem White
Anyone who watched WVU’s season last year doe snot need much background on Jahiem White and what he brought to the team. From the Spring game his freshman season all the way to the Duke Mayo Bowl, White captivated fans and quickly became the favorite guy around Morgantown.
The numbers themselves were impressive enough by just looking at them, but the impact White made on the field truly was appreciated and rewarded through multiple post-season individual awards given to White.
Last season, White led the team in rushing with 842 and also set a WVU record for rushing yards per attempt at 7.7 yards. He also finished with a team high 1,086 all purpose yards and six total touchdowns.
Those numbers were enough to given White All-American Freshman honors by three different accounts; The Athletic, PFF, and ON3.
The speed of the York, Pa. Native is quite impressive and gave many defenses fits last seasons. With one quick move and a tiny lane to run through, White can take a 3 yard run and turn it into a 10+ yard run.
The thing White has said he has worked on the most this offseason is finishing runs and finding ways into the endzone. After multiple long runs last year, White would get tripped up by the final defender and would be unable to score, hence the low total touchdowns.
But White and offensive coordinator Chad Scott are confident that White can expand that level of his game and his numbers could skyrocket.
The sky is the limit for White moving forward i his career as a Mountaineer.
Redshirt Junior, Jaylen Anderson
With a super dynamic duo ahead of Anderson, playing time has come at a minimum. Playing in seven games last season, including one start, Anderson was more of a blocking running back when brought into the game.
Last season, Anderson rushed for 147 yards and one touchdown on 44 carries. He also added four receptions for 42 yards.
While Anderson is not a player that is going to wow anyone with his play, the Perry, Ohio native does make for a very solid backup who can give you rushing, receiving and blocking while the starters may need a rest.
