By: Jonathan K. Martin | WV Sports Chat
West Virginia is facing a critical shortage in their running back corps, prompting head coach Rich Rodriguez to turn to the transfer portal for reinforcements.
The latest name on the radar is Andre Devine, the son of WVU legend Noel Devine, who is currently an offensive analyst on Rodriguez’s staff.
“Andre Devine is a late addition off the waiver wire — he might be joining us,” Rodriguez revealed.
Andre, who committed to Rodriguez at Jacksonville State last season, signed with the Gamecocks after a high school career at North Fort Myers High School in Florida. He did not see any action for Jacksonville State last season.
His potential transfer to West Virginia would mark a full-circle moment, reuniting him with his father, Noel, who starred at WVU from 2007-2010 and ranks third on WVU’s all-time rushing list with 4,315 yards career rushing yards.
The Mountaineers’ running back situation has reached a crisis point. With the season fast approaching, injuries and eligibility delays have decimated the depth chart. During Thursday’s practice, Rodriguez noted that key players are sidelined: Clay Ash and Kannon Katzer are reportedly banged up, while Jaylan Knighton and Tye Edwards remain ineligible pending clearance. This leaves only Jahiem White and Diore Hubbard as healthy options.
There was no mentioned of junior college transfer Cyncir Bowers on Thursday, leaving questions about this status.
