West Virginia’s offensive identity began and ended with the running game last season.
Quarterback Garrett Greene’s outstanding running ability combined with the outstanding performance of two different running backs was why the Mountaineers were chosen. 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 made the Mountaineers seem one-dimensional.
With several returning targets in Greene’s arsenal, West Virginia will showcase its versatility in 2024, but the fact remains that the team can only go as far as its runners will take them. Aside from Greene, these are the stats of WVU’s three key runners from last season, led by two-headed giant CJ Donaldson and Jahiem White.
Jaylen Anderson, redshirt junior running back
Participation in 2023: One start in seven games for 44 appearances
2023: 147 yards rushing with 1 touchdown; 4 catches for 42 yards
2022: 275 yards and 2 touchdowns on 35 attempts; 1 catch for 15 yards
After bursting onto the scene as a redshirt freshman in 2022, Jaylen Anderson’s performance dropped off significantly last season. Due to injuries in the lineup and a successful freshman year, Anderson had more opportunities as a sophomore but failed to live up to the hype he garnered with his 155-yard, two-touchdown day against Oklahoma State in 2022. With Justin Johnson Jr. and DJ Oliver out of the running, Anderson should be the clear option behind Donaldson and White if opportunities arise.
CJ Donaldson Jr., junior running back
Participation in 2023: Nine starts in 12 games with 171 appearances
2023: 798 yards rushing with 11 touchdowns; 9 catches for 59 yards
2022: 526 yards and 8 touchdowns on 87 carries; 9 catches for 27 yards
Injury-prone and somewhat inexperienced 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 used as a workhorse in many ways while freshman White provided big, explosive runs and energy. The dichotomy of the pair works in their favor, with the much taller Donaldson (6-foot-2, 230 pounds) taking the beating to get into the end zone while White pushes down the field. If the pair is used correctly, having two elite running backs can only be beneficial for WVU, with Donaldson likely being used as the primary scoring option in the run game.
Jahiem White, second-year running back
Participation in 2023: 3 starts in 12 games with 109 appearances
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 instantly change games with his energy, speed and dominant presence as a small but powerful running back (5-foot-10, 195 pounds). White has the legs to cover long distances and get propelled by Garrett Greene’s long balls. If the Mountaineers need a big addition, White is the first choice, but it remains to be seen if he will also be pushed to take over Donaldson’s duties and establish himself as an all-around superstar running back.
Photo by Aaron Parker, Blue Gold Sports
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