By: Jonathan K. Martin | WV Sports Chat
As West Virginia continues to navigate through the start of fall camp, head coach Rich Rodriguez is confronting an unexpected challenge: a thinning running back group.
With only four players taking the field during a recent practice, the Mountaineers’ backfield depth has taken a significant hit, prompting Rodriguez to consider a move to the transfer portal ahead of the upcoming season.
Though early in camp, Rodriguez has made mention of the running back group on a couple of occasions. The first signs of trouble emerged when Rodriguez publicly aired his frustration over guys “tapping out” during practice.
By mid-week, the situation worsened.
“They’ve been a little banged up,” Rodriguez said. “I think we had four practice today — Jahiem (White), (Diore) Hubbard, Clay Ash, Kannon (Katzer), so numbers are a little bit less. We may add a guy or two here because we’ve got to have more guys at running back.”
The absence of Tye Edwards is understandable, as he’s still awaiting an NCAA eligibility ruling. But the absence of Jaylan Knighton and Cyncir Bowers is interesting and has left the position group perilously thin.
