WVU Football Adds JUCO Product Tyler Jacklich to RB Room

On the heels of Rich Rodriguez confirming the loss of one running back from the roster, the WVU football program added another one. Junior college product Tyler Jacklich revealed his commitment to West Virginia on Wednesday night.

Out of Merced College, Jacklich rushed for 960 yards and scored 12 touchdowns last season.

He started his college career at Wyoming after racking up 2,278 rushing yards and 32 touchdowns during his senior season of high school.

The addition of Jacklich comes after Rodriguez confirmed that Jaylan Knighton’s removal was due to an academic issue. Rodriguez does not expect to have him available this season.

A five year veteran of college football who began his career at Miami and later spent three seasons at SMU, Knighton transferred to WVU Football following the spring practice period.

The 5-foot-10, 185 pound running back enjoyed major usage between 2021 and 2023, eventually developing into the Mustangs featured back, but a knee injury cut his season short after just two games last season. West Virginia already has their starting tailback for this season, with Jahiem White viewed as one of the top returning players at the position in all of college football. However, Knighton was viewed as a great offseason addition who could provide support behind White.

Knighton took a redshirt year with SMU after suffering a season-ending injury two games in.

Knighton picked up 1,729 rushing yards on 359 carries between 2021 and 2023, good for 4.8 yards per carry.

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