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

MORGANTOWN, W.Va – Even with his promotion to a bigger role as offensive coordinator, Chad Scott is still primarily focused on coaching the running game. And fortunately for Scott, the West Virginia offense, which is shifting to even more of a run heavy attack this year, has plenty of depth to enjoy at running back.

Despite the departure of Tony Mathis, the Mountaineers are still loaded on the ground. Sophomore CJ Donaldson, who emerged as an athletic freak early last season, is back and healthy. Based on now having experience and the belief he is in even better shape, it’s reasonable to expect Donaldson could take his game to another level. But most fans are aware of Donaldson. So what about the others?

Asti: CJ Donaldson Taking a Jump is Key for West Virginia’s Offense in 2023

“It’s a deep group. They all have unique running styles. We need to see who can do what consistently,” Scott said about the running back group as a whole.

Scott explained Justin Johnson Jr. has assumed the leadership role left behind by Mathis. He’s the oldest and very willing to help teach his younger teammates. Jaylen Anderson made the most of his opportunities towards the end of the 2022 season, earring him recognition as Big 12 Co-Newcomer of the Week.

But it sounds like besides Donaldson, Scott might actually be the most confident in the freshman who has not actually seen in a game. Scott spoke with excitement when talking about DJ Oliver and Jahiem White.

“He’s a load. I tell him and CJ Donaldson, when defensive guys see #4 and #20, they have to make business decisions.” When asked Oliver’s strength as a runner, Scott emphatically proclaimed Oliver as a guy who can dominate going downhill.

Conversely, Scott knows 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 offered praise to Rodney Gallagher and Jahiem White for how good they’ve looked so far.

— Mike J. Asti (@MikeAsti11) August 3, 2023

Each running back on the roster will no doubt have a role this season. WVU is going to need all hands on deck and planning to use as many legs as possible.

“I knew we were going to put those guys in a position to play a lot more than they did last year.. so the focus this summer was learning the formations, esp. for we have two in the game,” said Scott.