by: Brandon Walker
West Virginia landed a commitment at a position of need on Monday as it secured the commitment of SMU transfer running back Jaylan Knighton, according to reports.
Knighton (5-foot-10, 185 pounds) will provide depth behind star running back Jahiem White. He has shown big-play production in both the running and passing game when he is healthy.
In 2024, Knighton rushed for 43 yards on 12 carries and caught four passes for 42 yards before missing the remainder of the season with an injury. In 2023, he ran for 745 yards, averaging 5.5 yards a carr. He scored seven times on the ground and caught 13 passes for 89 yards and a touchdown.
Knighton was a four-star recruit out of Florida in the 2021 recruiting class. He started his college career at Miami, where he rushed for 1,193 yards and 10 touchdowns over two seasons. He also caught 40 passes for 497 yards and four receiving touchdowns.
Before the commitment of Knighton, WVU only had three scholarship players at running back: White, Tye Edwards, and Diore Hubbard. Knighton brings experience and the ability to make big plays, recording 49 runs or receptions of 10 yards or more in his career. West Virginia would ideally like to add one more running back from the portal.
Knighton only has one year left of eligibility.
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