Expectations Are Rising for WVU Football Freshmen Rodney Gallagher, Jahiem White

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Spend any kind of time around any WVU football coach and you will undoubtedly hear them offer high praise for two freshmen. Most West Virginia fans are likely familiar with the names Rodney Gallagher and Jahiem White, the two top stars from WVU’s 2023 recruiting class, at this point, but Neal Brown finally opened up about what they are doing exactly that’s impressed everyone so much.

Unlike college basketball, it’s still uncommon for a true freshman to contribute right away in college football. But it’s becoming pretty clear that both Gallagher and White could have an impact on this coming season for the Mountaineers.

After hearing how great they both look out on the practice field, Brown was finally asked directly what exactly they are doing that makes them stand out so much over normal freshman. Brown responded by saying Gallagher’s ability to block well, something he’s never had to do, has actually surprised him some.

I asked WVU HC Neal Brown what exactly Rodney Gallagher and Jahiem White having been doing to garner so much praise. He says Gallagher’s ability to block well, something he’s never had to do, has stood out. He says White looks like he has a different gear than most backs.

— Mike J. Asti (@MikeAsti11) August 5, 2023

WVU knew they were getting an elite athlete in Gallagher, a four-star recruit out of Laurel Highlands, Pennsylvania who also played quarterback in high school. However, being so willing to perfect blocking shows a selflessness and can help the overall offense.

As for White, a three-star running back prospect who put together a legendary high school career in York, PA, it’s even possible he could produce before Gallagher due to WVU implanting a run-heavy offensive strategy. Brown says White looks like he has a different gear than most running backs. He clarified that he didn’t mean that as slight to any of his other backs, but a big compliment of White.

Offensive coordinator Chad Scott has already talked about his desire to use everyone in WVU’s very deep running back room. White is someone who can get by any defender and use his extreme speed to create big plays. Scott went on and on about how good White has looked so far and how fast he truly is.

WVU OC Chad Scott Details Strength of Each RB, Plans to Use as Many Legs as Possible

Relying on freshman is an obvious risk, and it’s no guarantee anyone can step in and immediately be a star, but all signs point to Gallagher and White being two key players to watch this season.