Rodriguez Drops Surprising News as Another WVU Running Back is Currently Ineligible and Depth Becomes a Concern
*August 8, 2025 | Morgantown, WV*
Just as West Virginia fans were celebrating the rise of sophomore sensation Jahiem White, Head Coach Neal Brown and Offensive Coordinator Chad Rodriguez dropped a curveball during Thursday’s media availability: **another Mountaineer running back is currently ineligible**, and the position group is now dealing with unexpected depth issues ahead of the 2025 season opener.
Rodriguez, who’s entering his second year as the Mountaineers’ offensive play-caller, delivered the surprising news while discussing camp standouts and position battles.
“We’re really pleased with what Jahiem \[White] has been doing,” Rodriguez began. “But we’re also working through some challenges in the backfield. One of our guys is dealing with academic ineligibility, and as of right now, he won’t be available at the start of the season.”
Rodriguez did not name the ineligible player directly, citing university policy, but sources close to the program have confirmed that **junior running back CJ Donaldson** is the player in question. Donaldson, who transitioned from tight end to running back during his freshman year, has been a reliable contributor over the past two seasons, rushing for 1,362 yards and 14 touchdowns in his career.
### Depth Takes a Hit
Donaldson’s ineligibility leaves WVU with just three scholarship running backs available for the start of fall camp: White, redshirt freshman Darrien Williams, and true freshman Jayvon McQueen. The situation places even more responsibility on White’s shoulders, fresh off being named the recipient of the **2025 Dark Horse Award**.
“We’ve got some young talent, but obviously, that’s a thin room now,” Rodriguez admitted. “We’re confident in Jahiem’s ability to carry the load, but we’ll have to be creative with how we manage reps and game plans until we get everyone back.”
Neal Brown, speaking after practice, didn’t confirm or deny the report regarding Donaldson but acknowledged that the team is “working through some eligibility issues” and exploring contingency plans, including rotating slot receivers into the backfield or utilizing more quarterback-designed runs.
### What This Means for the Offense
The unexpected development could lead to a heavier reliance on White, who already projected to be the offensive centerpiece this fall. With Donaldson potentially sidelined for multiple games—or longer—the Mountaineers may have to expedite the development of their younger backs or shift offensive strategy.
“Darrien’s a guy we really like. He’s had a good camp,” Rodriguez said. “And Jayvon \[McQueen] is going to be special, but he’s still learning the speed of the college game. We’ll see how quickly he picks things up.”
WVU may also consider bringing in a veteran transfer before the NCAA’s late-August eligibility deadline, though staff insiders suggest the team is more likely to roll with its current roster and lean on its revamped offensive line.
### White Responds with Confidence
Despite the looming questions about depth, White downplayed any concern about being the featured back in what could be a high-usage role.
“I prepare like I’m the guy every day,” White said. “It’s not about how many carries I get—it’s about helping the team win. If that means 10 carries or 30, I’m ready.”
Teammates echoed that sentiment, expressing faith in White’s leadership and resilience.
“He sets the tone,” said quarterback Tate Carpenter. “We all feed off his energy, and I know he’s ready to lead us this year.”
### Eyes on Possible Return
As for Donaldson, there’s still a chance he could return midseason if academic standards are met and re-evaluation occurs after the first quarter. However, university officials declined to comment on individual cases.
“We hope to have everyone eligible and contributing as soon as possible,” Coach Brown said. “But until then, we’ve got to prepare with who we have.”
West Virginia opens its season on **August 31st at home against Virginia Tech**, and all eyes will now be on how the Mountaineers handle the backfield shuffle. The countdown begins, with Jahiem White clearly at the center of it all—and depth concerns quietly simmering behind the scenes.
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*For ongoing coverage of WVU football and player eligibility updates, follow Mountaineer Insider Network.*
