Neal Brown acknowledges the energy of his 2023 roster goes to be within the operating again room.
And any good coach has the flexibility to take the items obtainable on the roster and get probably the most out of them. That means discovering methods to be each extra artistic and versatile with the operating again place.
The Mountaineers have already got 4 high-quality choices within the backfield in CJ Donaldson, Jaylen Anderson, Justin Johnson and Tony Mathis however have added two others within the recruiting class in Jahiem White and DJ Oliver.
Oliver, 5-foot-11, 240-pounds, is an influence again that has velocity. He was a state finalist within the 100-meters, shot put and weight lifting showcasing his well-rounded talent set.
The Mountaineers received concerned led by operating backs coach Chad Scott however had a reference to Tanner Jones, a former quarterback below Brown throughout his time at Troy, as the top coach at Port St. Joe.
The Rivals.com three-star wasn’t very energetic with the recruiting course of or taking visits, however impressed at a camp together with his velocity and measurement. Combine that together with his contact steadiness and flexibility for use within the passing recreation and it makes him an intriguing match shifting ahead.
“I noticed him do a backflip at 240-plus kilos and he catches the ball very well,” Brown mentioned.
White is a distinct model of again stature sensible at 5-foot-9, 187-pounds, however caught the eyes of the teaching employees together with his efficiency at a recruiting camp forward of his junior season. He is a gifted cross catcher that even lined up at slot receiver and dominated there on the aforementioned camp however has confirmed chops as a ballcarrier with 6,000 speeding yards in his profession.
“He actually placed on a present,” Brown mentioned.
The Mountaineers perceive what they’ve within the backfield however which means discovering methods to get a couple of operating again on the sector at a time. And so as to try this, every of them should deliver various things to the desk to maximise these snaps.
Donaldson is a former inside receiver and is a superb route runner with good arms, whereas Anderson additionally frolicked taking part in out of empty in highschool and caught the ball down the sector.
Both Johnson and Mathis have continued to progress the place they are often energetic within the backfield and break up out, however every of the 4 have the flexibility to dam.
“We’re going to work to get them on the sector,” Brown mentioned.
Versatility is the secret within the backfield and the Mountaineers imagine they’ve it on the roster and with the incoming recruiting class.
