WVU's Running Back Depth Chart Following Departure of Tony Mathis

The Mountaineers still have a deep RB room despite the loss of Tony Mathis.

West Virginia's leading rusher from the 2022 season entered the transfer portal on Monday, but with as much talent as there is in the running back room, it's not a total surprise that he has decided to move on. Mathis has the tools and experience to be a three-down Power Five back but that's just not going to happen in Morgantown.

So, with Mathis out, what does West Virginia's depth chart look like at the position? Here is my guess as of today.

CJ Donaldson

No surprise here. Donaldson was phenomenal before suffering a lower leg injury that cost him the rest of the season. He was on pace to set freshman records, totaling 562 yards and eight touchdowns on 87 carries. Pretty impressive numbers for a guy playing the position for the first time in his life. With a full year under his belt and actual game experience, Donaldson is set up to have a big season this fall.

Justin Johnson Jr.

Johnson is, in my opinion, West Virginia's best all-around back. He can catch it out of the backfield, pass protect, and of course, run the football. I imagine he will be the first guy on the field to replace Donaldson and we may even see some sets with both of them on the field together. He rushed for 430 yards and three scores on 98 carries last season.

Jaylen Anderson

Anderson appeared in five games last year but had his breakout game in the regular season finale win over Oklahoma State. He ripped off two big touchdown runs over 50 yards, finishing the afternoon with 155 yards, averaging 10.3 yards per touch. He'll be used quite often in short-yardage/goal line situations, particularly when Donaldson needs a breather.

Jahiem White

White is without a doubt the fastest back in the room. He's tough to tackle in space and has a knack for making people miss. He's the home run threat. With the returning talent ahead of him, his role will be limited in year one of the program.

DJ Oliver

Oliver has a similar running style to that of CJ Donaldson but is more of a north/south type of back that isn't going to bounce it outside very much. Ideally, West Virginia will be able to redshirt Oliver.

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