WVU RB CJ Donaldson Describes His 2023 Season, Details What He’s Working On

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Trying to rebound from an up and down season, WVU running back CJ Donaldson opened up about what he expects from himself moving forward after fall camp practice on Monday. Donaldson even responded to any debate about how he performed in 2023 with his own evaluation of his play.

Donaldson shrugged and labeled his most recent season as just “average” while ratting off his statistics. The 6-foot-2, 238-pound Donaldson feels his statistics tell the story, saying that his numbers don’t show enough of an uptick in play with an increase in carries. He displayed a confidence about expecting more from himself.

“Once I understand the defense, I’ll be able to play faster,” said Donaldson when asked what held him back and what he’s working on during camp.

On how he would evaluate his 2023 season since there’s been so much debate about it, WVU RB CJ Donaldson says it was just “average” while shrugging his shoulders.

— Mike J. Asti (@MikeAsti11) August 5, 2024

Donaldson was able to fly under the radar most of the offseason, but that’s going to change very soon. He’s high on a short list of Mountaineers facing pressure to perform in 2024.

After emerging as a freshman sensation in 2022, Donaldson endured more of a roller coaster ride during the 2023 season. While he did finish with 798 yards and 11 touchdowns, the then sophomore running back also struggled mightily at times. Also on Monday, Donaldson referred to White as his “co partner” in the running back room.

Donaldson said he told White to just work on the little things as his advice for trying to avoid a sophomore slump.

Some will defend Donaldson’s tough stretch – he posted averages of 3.2, 2.8 and 3.0 yards per carry in three consecutive weeks – with arguments about the defense stacking the box against him. And while that’s true and those arguments have validity, WVU was expecting far more from Donaldson, who entered last season as West Virginia’s top back, something that’s no longer the case. As Neal Brown said at the time, to be a true top back, you have to overcome the defense scheming against you.

Brown and his staff hope a full season of both White and Donaldson at their best provide the WVU offense with a two-headed monster on the ground. The expectations are White will be even better with college games now under his belt and sharing the load with another elite back will allow Donaldson to remain healthy through an entire season, something he hasn’t been able to accomplish yet.

Kelsie LeRose / WVSN

Brown has been vocal about Donaldson needing to be in better shape before he’s trusted with more carries, but that might not even be an issue with White there as a focal point to open the season.

It will also be interesting to see how Donaldson is handled early in the season. Will Brown and his staff be cautious with Donaldson early on? Will they want to test him as soon as possible to truly see how healthy he is and how effective he can be? Will they reduce his time on the field if he struggles due to a confidence in White and others behind him?

Regardless what happens, one thing is certain – WVU will not wait around for Donaldson to get going this year and he has pressure to prove himself all over again.

For a related story, read Mike Asti’s full position breakdown for CJ Donaldson and West Virginia’s running backs.