Why WVU Football Wants More Two-Way Players

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – It came out of necessity, but Curtis Jones’ success as a running back helped to trigger a new mentality for the WVU football program as a whole.

Jones’ transition from defense to offense could become the norm for the Mountaineers, not a rarity moving forward. Rich Rodriguez admitted he felt forced to try Jones at running back to the lack of size left among West Virginia’s remaining healthy backs, but he’s also made it clear it’s helped to shape his future recruiting strategy.

Rodriguez now plans to look for players who can play on both sides of the ball, and to do it at a high level. The rash of injuries Rodriguez and his staff have endured throughout the 2025 season has proved to be an example of why having versatile players is so important.

On Tuesday as his team prepares to travel to Tempe, Ariz. to meet the reigning conference champion Sun Devils, Rodriguez said if a prospect has experience playing both ways in high school, he’s going to try to make it work at the college level. He expects two-way players to become more common in college football, granted to varying degrees.

WVU’s Curtis Jones celebrates with Diore Hubbard during West Virginia’s 29-22 win over Colorado in November, 2025. (WVSN photo by Kelsie LeRose)

As pointed out by defensive coordinator Zac Alley, who was involved in the decision making process about which of his linebackers would be the best fit on offense, NFL teams can go out and sign an available player, make a trade or at the very least elevate someone from the practice squad in the middle of the season. They can do it based on a need due to injury or even as a a way of trying to improve their roster.

Since this is not a luxury offered to college football teams, it’s imperative to have options already on the roster. While there’s no guarantee moving a player around will lead to success, Jones’ two-touchdown performance as WVU’s goal line back against Colorado has provided an example of pressing the right buttons at the right time.

Find more coverage of the WVU football program at WV Sports Now.

For a related story, Rich Rodriguez and his Mountaineers discuss turning the 2025 season around.