By: Justin “Couz” Walker | WV Sports Chat
Rich Rodriguez and the WVU football program have officially landed a “dawg” for the backfield in 2026. After a whirlwind recruitment process that saw him flip his commitment from Wisconsin to WVU during the Early Signing Period, four-star running back Amari Latimer is ready to bring his hard-nosed running style to Morgantown.
For the Sandy Creek (GA) standout, the path to the Big 12 has been defined by discipline, faith, and a unique diet that helped him transform into a Power 4 prospect.
Looking at Amari now – a runner with a 225-pound frame – it’s hard to imagine him as an undersized freshman. During a recent interview on the Juh Kickin’ It podcast, Latimer shared the simple but effective secret to his physical growth: peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Between his freshman and sophomore years of high school, Amari committed to a rigorous weight-gain regimen centered around the classic snack. Amari revealed that he ate “a whole bunch” of PB&Js and practically lived in the weight room to gain 20 pounds in a single off-season. That dedication paid off, as he eventually grew into a 200-pound workhorse who rushed for over 4,600 yards and 74 touchdowns in his high school career.
The discipline the Georgia Player of the Year displays on the field is a product of his upbringing. His mother serves in the military, a background that is partly responsible for helping him learn how to take hard coaching and criticism. He credits this environment, along with playing beside his older brother, for his “no excuses” mentality and his ability to focus on the message rather than the tone when coaches get after him.
Beyond his physical training, Amari is deeply rooted in his relationship with God. He spoke candidly on the podcast about his desire to get even closer to his faith as he transitions to college, focusing on “small things” like praying before picking up his phone in the morning or before meals. For Amari, his success is a gift, and he intends to keep his spiritual foundation at the center of his journey.
The younger Latimer won’t be alone in Morgantown and Mountaineer fans have an extra reason to be excited. Amari will be joined at WVU by his older brother, Geimere Latimer.
The senior defensive back, who Amari credits for instilling that “dawg” mentality in him through tough love on the field, joined the WVU football team via the transfer portal. He spent last season at Wisconsin. Prior to his time with the Badgers, Geimere played for Rich Rodriguez and WVU defensive coordinator Zac Alley at Jacksonville State.
The two brothers shared the field at Sandy Creek, with Geimere at quarterback and Amari at running back. They now bring that chemistry to the Power 4 level. Having his brother by his side provides a support system that few recruits get to experience.
Latimer chose to start his college career with WVU football, despite offers from 47 programs, including SEC powerhouses like Georgia. The two-time state champion was drawn to WVU for multiple reasons, but one that stood out was the fanbase, which he was able to experience firsthand. “They got a good fanbase. I went to one of their games…the Colorado game. That game was packed out…loud,” said Latimer.
The primary factor for the highly-touted recruit, however, was the ability to get on the field early. He wants a chance to prove he is the “cream of the crop,” even if it means he’s the number two back. At West Virginia, he sees an opportunity to compete immediately.
The Mountaineers are replacing every running back that received snaps in 2025. That leaves plenty of room for opportunity. Latimer is one of three true freshmen backs signed by Rich Rodriguez and his staff. WVU also signed JUCO running back Martavious Boswell. The stiffest competition for Latimer will likely be transfer Cam Cook. The 5-foot-10 workhorse led the nation in rushing in 2025 with over 1,600 yards on 295 carries. Cook is coming to Morgantown from Jacksonville State.
Bottom line for WVU football fans, it looks like we have ourselves a real one in Amari Latimer. He’s a young man who can take hard coaching, has a good work ethic, and has a body that is physically ready to face Big 12 competition. Keep an eye out for number 1 to line up in the backfield next season. He’s bringing his peanut butter & jelly sandwiches to Morgantown and he’s ready to work.
