Asti: Growth as Leader Signals Step in Career for WVU RB Jahiem White

One way or another, 2024 will mark a monumental season in the football career of Jahiem White. White will either take another step and become one of the best running backs in the country, or he will fall victim to the dreaded sophomore slump.

But in addition to his natural talent, there are clear signs White is maturing into a player who will take the college football world by storm and lead the Mountaineers to glory. Both WVU head coach Neal Brown and offensive coordinator Chad Scott – someone who serves as a mentor to West Virginia’s running backs – are aware a sophomore slump is always a reality, but have spent the offseason talking about how they believe White hasn’t even come close to reaching his potential.

White emerging will forever go down as a memorable part of the success of the 2023 season for WVU, but Brown also hopes it ends up being just a footnote in White’s Mountaineer legacy.

New number = new attitude for White

And one big difference in White that’s been evident throughout the spring session, and especially during fall camp, serves as a sign White is taking his career very seriously. White is now much more vocal in practice than he was at this point one year ago. White spends as much time coaching up the second-team offense and giving suggestions to Scott as he does working on his own game. Despite being quiet by nature, White is developing into a leader and someone could be poised to step into that role when Garrett Greene once graduates from the program.

White’s leadership extends well beyond the practice field, too. Scott revealed White was the first Mountaineer to report for camp and has continuously kept arriving before everyone else from that point on. White is a big reason why Scott is so confident and excited about the WVU offense.

WVU offensive coordinator talking to running backs CJ Donaldson and Jahiem White on the sideline during fall camp practice. (Mike Asti / WV Sports Now)

After starting the season behind CJ Donaldson, White eventually became West Virginia’s leading rusher. White’s first big game came against BYU, running for 146 yards on only 16 carries. He then really caught everyone’s attention (including a former NFL MVP) after putting up monster numbers in a win over Cincinnati. White averaged 9.7 yards per touch, totaling 204 yards on the ground and then another 75 yards receiving. He finished the season with 842 yards, an average of 7.7 yards per rush and four touchdowns, drawing comparison to WVU legend Steve Slaton’s strong freshman season in 2005.

White should be even better with a college season under his belt, but he won’t be able to surprise anyone anymore. If White does live up the hype, the Mountaineer offense should be more potent than it’s been in years.

There’s also no controversy between W VU’s two top backs though. Donaldson even referred to White as his “co partner” in the running back room.

For related stories, CJ Donaldson describes his 203 season and what he needs to work on and WV Sports Now’s Mike Asti broke down the running back position.