West Virginia’s offensive identity last season started and ended with the run game.
Quarterback Garrett Greene’s elite rushing ability combined with star-level production from two separate running backs was what made the Mountaineers go. Protected by one of the best offensive lines in the program’s recent history, Greene was a quarterback with options in 2023, but WVU’s tendency to run the ball pinned the Mountaineers as one-dimensional.
With several returning targets in Greene’s arsenal, West Virginia is set to prove itself as versatile in 2024, but the fact still stands that the team can only go as far as its rushers take them. Aside from Greene, these are the stats of WVU’s three primary rushing threats from last season, headlined by the two-headed giant of CJ Donaldson and Jahiem White.
Jaylen Anderson, Redshirt Junior Running Back
2023 participation: One start in seven games for 44 carries
2023: 147 yards rushing with 1 touchdown; 4 catches for 42 yards
2022: 275 yards and 2 touchdowns in 35 carries; 1 catch for 15 yards
After bursting onto the scene as a redshirt freshman in 2022, Jaylen Anderson’s production turned down significantly last season. With injuries in the lineup and a successful freshman year, Anderson had more opportunities as a sophomore but did not live up to the hype gained in his 155-yard, two-touchdown day against Oklahoma State in 2022. With Justin Johnson Jr. and DJ Oliver out of the picture, Anderson should be the clear option behind Donaldson and White, should any opportunities emerge.
CJ Donaldson Jr., Junior Running Back
2023 participation: Nine starts in 12 games for 171 carries
2023: 798 yards rushing with 11 touchdowns; 9 catches for 59 yards
2022: 526 yards and 8 touchdowns in 87 carries; 9 catches for 27 yards
Prone to injury and still somewhat raw as a running back since switching positions as a freshman, Donaldson Jr. is a bit of a wild card for WVU. Last season, he was trusted as the workhorse back in a lot of ways while a freshman White provided big, explosive runs and energy. The dichotomy of the pair works in its favor, with the much bigger Donaldson (6-foot-2, 238 pounds) taking the beating to get to the endzone while White pushes down the field. If the pair is utilized properly, having two elite running backs can only be a benefit for WVU, with Donaldson likely being pinned as the primary scoring option in the run game.
Jahiem White, Sophomore Running Back
2023 participation: 3 starts in 12 games for 109 carries
2023: 842 yards rushing with 4 touchdowns; 5 catches for 122 yards and 2 touchdowns
Jahiem White is one of the most exciting names in Morgantown right now and for good reason. The sophomore proved last season that he can change games instantly with his energy, speed, and dominant presence as a short but bulky back (5-foot-7, 195 pounds). White has the legs to take carries long-distance and be fed by Garrett Greene’s long ball. If the Mountaineers need a big gain, White is the go-to option, but it remains to be seen if he will also be pushed to take on the responsibilities of Donaldson and emerge as an all-around superstar at running back.
Photo by Aaron Parker, Blue Gold Sports
