West Virginia Native, 2024 RB Amir Hairston Using Injury as Motivation

Amir Hairston is extremely motivated to show what he can offer a college program. Hairston’s desire to be great and the confidence he has in himself were evident when the 2024 running back prospect from Bluefield, West Virginia talked with WVSN about his recruitment and recent conversations with WVU.

Unfortunately for Hairston, who is preparing for his senior year at Bluefield High School coming up, the greatest setback of his career so far came in the middle of his junior season. Hairston’s attempt to follow up his strong sophomore season, one that saw him rush for over 1,100 yards, was cut short only three games in when he tore his fibula. This ended his 2023 season and prevented recruiters from seeing him build on the five touchdowns he scored in those first three games. But while this was obviously discouraging for the 5-foot-11, 176-pound back, it was not going to be what prevented him from achieving his dreams.

Hairston went from hearing from school after school, including major programs like Virginia Tech and Wake Forest, to knowing he needed to prove himself all over again.

“A lot is depending on my senior season, colleges are waiting to see how I bounce back. I can’t blame anyone for them, but every camp I go to, and every game I play, they will know who Amir Hairston is,” Hairston explained, marrying an understanding of why college programs are not ready to make him an offer just yet and also not letting that get him down.

This experience has clearly triggered a maturity in such a young player and person.

To Hairston, his injury is not the only hurdle he will have to climb to receive an opportunity at the next level. He also recognizes the obstacles that exist just for playing in a small-town in a rural area in West Virginia. Adversity already exists for West Virginia players based on a belief that high school football in West Virginia is not up to par with surrounding areas like Western Pennsylvania, Ohio, Kentucky or Virginia.

“My area is a honeypot of talent that is constantly overlooked because we are from a small area. If scouts would look into these hills they would be surprised with all the talent that funnels through here,” he brought up about players from Bluefield often being overlooked.

Hairston knows he needs to put together the possible film next season to ensure scouts see the best of him and become aware of a player they won’t be able to ignore.

Just a small town boy from Southern West Virginia with BIG DREAMS!!! @CoachChadScott @NealBrown_WVU @TaylorLWest_ @DrewCasa_ @SEANMARTIN91 @WVUFBRecruiting @WVUfootball @WVUAlumniNCAC @FanRecruitWVU @WVUBarstool @WVUAlumniAssoc @WVUMascot @CMAnderson247 @_CoachCod pic.twitter.com/TQCIkazjRS

— Amir J. Hairston (@CountryBoyFast) March 6, 2023

Once Hairston gets fully healthy and back out on the field, he’s holding out hope that one particular school comes calling, one that he has had communication with – WVU. Hairston visited WVU about a month ago and was treated to a full tour of the facilities and everything being a Mountaineer can provide a player. He spoke with offensive coordinator Chad Scott and was told that WVU will be keeping an eye on him.

Thanks for the video, I wasn't expecting that 😳 you guys have shown me so much love @CoachChadScott @NealBrown_WVU @TaylorLWest_ @DrewCasa_ @SEANMARTIN91 @WVUFBRecruiting @WVUfootball @WVUAlumniNCAC @FanRecruitWVU @WVUBarstool @WVUAlumniAssoc @WVUMascot @CMAnderson247 @_CoachCod pic.twitter.com/cTxwEjJY2G

— Amir J. Hairston (@CountryBoyFast) March 17, 2023

Hairston describes himself as a coachable player who incorporates both speed and power in his explosiveness. And based on his play before suffering a serious injury, Hairston is a player someone will surely take a chance on.

“It will be a Cinderella story,” Hairston said about his journey back to the field and the success he projects to achieve wherever life takes him after high school. Could that Cinderella story be one that Mountaineer Nation can enjoy? Only time will tell, but staying home and playing for WVU would be a dream come true for this in-state product.