West Virginia Mountaineers Football: A Comprehensive Guide to the Running Back Position

The Role of Running Backs in West Virginia's Offense

Running backs are a crucial component of the West Virginia Mountaineers' offensive strategy. They are responsible for carrying the ball, blocking for the quarterback, and catching passes out of the backfield.

Key Responsibilities

• Carry the ball on running plays
• Block for the quarterback
• Catch passes out of the backfield

Notable Running Backs in West Virginia History

West Virginia has produced several outstanding running backs throughout its history, including:

Steve Slaton

Slaton is the Mountaineers' all-time leading rusher, with 3,928 yards. He won the 2006 Big East Offensive Player of the Year award and was a consensus All-American.

Pat White

White was a dual-threat quarterback who also made a significant impact as a running back. He rushed for 4,480 yards and 47 touchdowns during his career.

Noel Devine

Devine was a lightning-fast running back who set the NCAA record for most yards per carry in a season (7.69). He was a two-time All-American.

Current Running Backs on the West Virginia Roster

The Mountaineers currently have a talented group of running backs on their roster, including:

Leddie Brown

Brown is a senior who led the team in rushing in 2021. He is known for his speed and agility.

Justin Johnson

Johnson is a junior who is expected to have a breakout season in 2022. He is a physical runner with good vision.

CJ Donaldson

Donaldson is a sophomore who transferred from Iowa State. He is a powerful runner who can break tackles.

West Virginia Running Backs Against Penn State

The West Virginia running backs will face a tough challenge when they take on the Penn State Nittany Lions on September 1.

Penn State's Defense

Penn State has one of the top defenses in the country, led by All-American linebacker Micah Parsons. The Nittany Lions are known for their physicality and ability to generate turnovers.

Keys to Success for West Virginia

In order to be successful against Penn State, the West Virginia running backs will need to:

• Run with power and determination
• Protect the football
• Be patient and wait for their opportunities

Conclusion

The running backs are a key part of the West Virginia Mountaineers' football team. They are responsible for carrying the ball, blocking for the quarterback, and catching passes out of the backfield. The Mountaineers have a talented group of running backs on their roster, and they will need to perform well in order to be successful in 2022.