by: Justin Walker
In a move that is likely to make most WVU football fans happy, it appears that West Virginia University is set to hire one of the sport’s top running backs coaches, Larry Porter, to lead their ground game. This hire comes on the heels of the departure of Chad Scott, who left Morgantown to join the staff at the University of Texas.
While the news has not been officially announced by the university yet, multiple reputable sources, including Football Scoop, have confirmed that Rich Rodriguez and the Mountaineers have landed a true coaching superstar in Porter.
A Proven Track Record of Success
Larry Porter’s resume speaks for itself. He has an extensive history of developing elite running back talent and being a dominant force on the recruiting trail. After getting his start at smaller programs, Porter made his mark in the Power 5 ranks, first at Oklahoma State and then at the prestigious LSU Tigers program.
During his time with the Cowboys, Porter coached three 1,000-yard rushers, showcasing his ability to get the most out of his players. He then followed Les Miles to Baton Rouge, where he truly cemented his reputation as one of the top running backs coaches in the country.
- At LSU, Porter coached standout running backs like Jacob Hester, Charles Scott, and Joseph Addai – the latter of whom went on to be a first-round NFL draft pick.
- He was also recognized as the Recruiter of the Year by Rivals in both 2005 and 2007, landing elite talents like Russell Shepard, Terrence Tolliver, and Craig Loston.
- One of Porter’s most impressive recruiting feats was landing quarterback Jordan Jefferson, who went on to have a successful career as the Tigers’ signal-caller.
After his successful run in Baton Rouge, Porter has continued to showcase his coaching and recruiting prowess at other top programs, including Arizona State, Texas, Auburn, and most recently, the University of North Carolina.
At UNC, Porter was instrumental in the development of running back Omarion Hampton, who is projected to be a high draft pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. He is a proven recruiter with past recruiting successes in the states of Texas and Louisiana, as well as most of the Southeastern part of the country.
A Perfect Fit for West Virginia
The hiring of Larry Porter represents a major coup for Rich Rodriguez and the West Virginia Mountaineers. With the departure of Chad Scott, who was widely regarded as an excellent recruiter and running backs coach in his own right, the program was in need of a dynamic replacement to lead their ground game.
In Porter, they have found a coach who not only has a proven track record of success, but also possesses the recruiting chops to keep West Virginia competitive on the national stage.
In addition to his work with the running backs, Porter also has experience as a special teams coordinator, a skill set that could prove invaluable to the Mountaineers as they look to improve in that phase of the game. His versatility and well-rounded coaching abilities make him an ideal fit for the program.
The Impact on West Virginia’s Offense
The hiring of Larry Porter is sure to have a significant impact on West Virginia’s offense, particularly in the running game. With his track record of developing elite ball carriers, the Mountaineers can expect to see noticeable success from their backfield.
One player who stands to benefit greatly from Porter’s arrival is junior running back Jahiem White. After a promising first two seasons in Morgantown, White will now have the opportunity to work with one of the best position coaches in the country, which should accelerate his development and hopefully help him reach new heights.
Beyond White, Porter’s recruiting prowess could also pay dividends for the Mountaineers, as he looks to bring in top-tier talent to complement the existing pieces on the roster. With his connections and reputation, West Virginia could find itself in the mix for some of the nation’s premier running back prospects, further bolstering their offensive arsenal.
Additionally, Porter’s experience as a special teams coordinator could prove invaluable for a West Virginia program that has struggled in that area in recent years. His ability to identify and develop talent across all phases of the game will be a valuable asset as the Mountaineers look to take the next step in their development.
A Bright Future Ahead
The hiring of Larry Porter represents a major coup for the West Virginia Mountaineers and a clear statement of intent from the program. By bringing in one of the top running backs coaches in the country, Rich Rodriguez and his staff have positioned the team for sustained success in the years to come.
As West Virginia fans eagerly await the official announcement of this hire, they can take solace in the fact that their program has landed a true coaching superstar. With Larry Porter leading the way, the future looks brighter than ever for the Mountaineers, and the excitement for the 2025 season and beyond is palpable.
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Photo Credit: WVU Athletics
