A year can make a huge difference.

Leddie Brown rushed for 2,888 yards in his four years with the Mountaineers (2018-21), including surpassing 1,000 yards in each of his final two seasons in the program.

Brown departed West Virginia following the 2021 campaign to chase his NFL dream, and without him, WVU’s backfield was a huge question entering last season.

That question received a positive answer, though, as four different running backs — Tony Mathis, C.J. Donaldson, Justin Johnson and Jaylen Anderson — stepped up and provided strong performances.

Returning — C.J. Donaldson (Soph.), Tony Mathis (Jr.), Justin Johnson (Jr.), Jaylen Anderson (Soph.)

Departing — Markquan Rucker (RFr.)

Newcomers — D.J. Oliver (Fr.), Jahiem White (Fr.)

No single Mountaineer runner surpassed 1,000 yards last year as Leddie Brown did in 2021 (1,065) and ’20 (1,010), but collectively those backs totaled much more in ’22 than WVU had as a team in any of the previous five seasons.

West Virginia averaged 171.5 rushing yards per game as a team last year, which was better than not only ’21 (121.5 ypg) and ’20 (135.1 ypg) but also any season since 2016 (228.4 ypg).

A graduate of Cedartown (Ga.) High School, Tony Mathis (5-11, 207 lbs., Jr.) was WVU’s most experienced returning running back after Brown’s departure, having rushed for 381 yards on 94 carries in his previous three years as a Mountaineer, though the first two seasons did not count against his eligibility.

Mathis took over for Brown as West Virginia’s starting running back last year and held that job for 10 games, missing only the TCU and Iowa State contests because of an injury.

Mathis returned to the lineup for WVU’s final three games of the season, but the bumps and bruises had taken their toll. He averaged 23.3 rushing yards per game in his final three contests after averaging 70.3 yards per game in the first seven outings of the year, which included a 104-yard effort against Towson and a 163-yard performance in the upset win over Baylor. For the ’22 season, Mathis led West Virginia in rushing with 562 yards on 135 carries (4.2 yards per attempt) with five touchdowns. He also caught seven passes for another 19 yards.

Mathis was far from the only Mountaineer back to put together an impressive effort in 2022. Tops among them —and the most surprising — was true freshman C.J. Donaldson (6-2, 240 lbs., Soph.). The Miami, Florida, native was recruited to WVU as a tight end, but with a need for further depth at running back, West Virginia’s coaches decided in the summer to give him a try in the backfield. Few position switches have ever worked better, as Donaldson was spectacular right out of the gate. Playing running back in a game for the first time in his life, he ran for 125 yards in the season-opener against Pitt, and he also blocked a punt setting up a TD in the 38-31 loss to the Panthers. Donaldson had three more 100+ yard contests on the season – 101 vs. Towson, 106 vs. Virginia Tech and 104 vs. TCU.

Unfortunately, injuries impacted Donaldson, including a scary head injury at Texas and a leg injury against TCU that ultimately required surgery and forced him to miss the final four games of the year. In all, Donaldson was second among the Mountaineers in rushing with 526 yards on 87 carries (6.0 yards per attempt) with a team-best eight touchdowns. He also caught nine passes for 27 yards, all that coming in just seven games of action. As he goes through rehab, Donaldson’s status for spring practice in a couple of months is still uncertain. The Mountaineer coaches would like to get him on the field for some workouts because they hope to expand his role even further to take further advantage of his pass-catching skills, which allowed him to haul in 96 receptions in his junior and senior seasons combined at Gulliver Prep.

Justin Johnson (5-11, 198 lbs., Jr.) and Jaylen Anderson (5-11, 214 lbs., Soph.) both signed with West Virginia as part of its class of 2021.

Anderson didn’t arrive at WVU until after the ’21 season began, so he ultimately redshirted that year, though Johnson got immediate action as a true freshman. As a rookie, the St. Louis, Missouri, native carried the ball 24 times for 90 yards in 2021, including a 35-yard performance in the Guaranteed Rate Bowl against Minnesota.

Johnson upped his output as a sophomore, playing in all 12 contests, though injuries did limit his playing time in a few of them. He wound up with 430 rushing yards on 98 carries (4.4 yards per attempt) with three TDs. His best game statistically came in the Mountaineers’ 33-10 victory at Virginia Tech, when he had 83 rushing yards on 11 totes. On the season, he also caught eight passes for 47 yards with one score.

As the long season started to grind on Mathis, Donaldson and Johnson, Anderson gained significantly more playing time in the final few games, and the Perry, Ohio, native made the most of the chances. After not seeing any action as a true freshman, he saw snaps in the blowout of Towson in week three this past fall (33 yards on six carries), but his opportunities were limited after that until West Virginia’s final two games of the season. He had 69 rushing yards on seven carries against Kansas State in game 11, and then exploded in the regular-season finale at Oklahoma State, helping WVU to the 24-19 upset of the Cowboys. Anderson rushed for 155 yards on 15 carries against OK State, which included two long touchdown runs of 54 and 57 yards. That performance in Stillwater provided Anderson with the bulk of his season total, as he finished with 275 rushing yards on 35 attempts (7.9 yards per carry).

West Virginia is also adding two promising youngsters to its running back room, as Jahiem White (5-9, 190 lbs., Fr.) and D.J. Oliver (5-11, 240 lbs., Fr.) signed with WVU as part of the class of 2023.

A product of William Penn High School in York, Pennsylvania, White was a two-time first-team all-state honoree, having rushed for a school-record 5,780 yards in his career. He enrolled at WVU for the spring semester and will participate with his new team as it goes through winter workouts and spring practice.

Oliver is a big back with a combination of power (he finished third in Florida in weightlifting and fourth in the shot put) and speed (he was qualifier to the state meet in the 100-meter dash). He had 1,100 all-purpose yards this past season for Port St. Joe High School and 2,067 as a junior. Oliver won’t arrive at WVU until this summer.

Transfer possibilities — Things can always change in today’s fast-moving world, but at the moment, the Mountaineers are well stocked at the running back position, and they don’t have the need to add any transfers there.

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (WV News) — A day ago it was noted in this space that West Virginia's 2023 football team seems to be built far more to feature a running game than a passing game, mostly because it has so much depth at running back behind a solid, experienced offensive line than it has at wide receiver while being thrown to by a pair of inexperienced quarterbacks.

Making such an analysis did not take any kind of gridiron Einstein, but there was some criticism over the fact that prized wide receiver recruit Rodney Gallagher from nearby Laurel Highlands in Uniontown, Pa., was passed over in the article.

This was done intentionally, not as any kind of slur or putdown of the Mountaineers' top recruit, but more to try and hold down unrealistic expectations from a talented young player whose day is sure to come ... but not necessarily this year.

History tells us that it is fool's gold to expect true freshman wide receivers to make the leap from facing unsophisticated high school defenses with defensive backs who are athletically unable to keep up with potential star college receivers to playing against Power 5 defenses with any number of cornerbacks and safeties who are four to five years older and more developed and who are headed into NFL training camps within a year or two.

What history, you ask?

As we looked at the best receivers that have played at WVU we saw none who qualified as game changers as freshmen.

This was, in fact, eye-opening in how it emphasized that even the best of the best had a lot of catching and catching up to do before they became all-conference, All-American or professional receivers.

We looked at the top receivers at WVU of all-time in both passes caught and receiving yards in their careers and realized that their great years later in their careers left blurred memories of their first seasons.

Listed here are the freshman seasons of WVU's top 10 career receivers in yards gained (receptions, yards, TDs): Tavon Austin, 15-151-1; Stedman Bailey, 24-357-4; David Saunders, 38-682-5; Khori Ivy, 19-282-1; Shawn Foreman, 4-56-0; Gary Jennings, 7-116-1; Daikiel Shorts, 45-495-2; Sam James, 69-677-2; David Sills, 7-131-2; and Rahsaan Vanterpool, 11-146-1.

Only Sam James, who exited after last year for the NFL even though he may have been sitting upon a huge final season at WVU, surpassed 50 catches and was second by 5 yards of Saunders 682 freshman yards.

Even if you throw in some of the other leaders in receptions made who did not make the top 10 in yards gained, you see that being a freshman receiver is a learning period: Jock Sanders, 12-102-0; Antonio Brown, 23-275-1; Bryce Ford-Wheaton 12-102-2; and Darius Reynaud, 30-297-5.

And this trend doesn't hold true only at WVU. Ja'Marr Chase, who has become probably the most dangerous wide receiver in the NFL as he teams up in Cincinnati with his former LSU quarterback Joe Burrow, caught just 23 passes for 313 yards and five scores as a Tiger freshman.

There is so much to learn that first year for a receiver that it normally magnifies the talent gap ... things such as releasing from the line of scrimmage, timing with a new quarterback, route running, creating separation from the defensive back, blocking downfield and at the corner on runs, a new playbook and catching contested passes.

Think of going from arithmetic to algebra, from a coloring book to an easel, "Chopsticks" on the piano to Chopin.

Certainly, some can handle it.

Randy Moss played only one year in college at Marshall, catching 96 passes for 1,820 yards and scoring 26 touchdowns and Larry Fitzgerald at Pitt as freshman caught 69 passes for 1,005 yards and 12 TDs.

But those were pit stops on the way to the Hall of Fame.

To give you some idea of how difficult it is to become a factor as a freshman receiver, consider that only two freshman receivers in college football this past season were among the top 100 in yards receiving, Jared Brown of Coastal Carolina catching 47 for 782 yards with 6 scores and Cal's J. Michael Sturdivant had 65 catches for 755 yards with 7 TDs.

So, the point is that even a recruit as important as Rodney Gallagher can't be expected to turn the passing game into something it has to grow into being, especially when the strength of the offense points it in a different direction.

West Virginia announced the signings of 17 high school players in the football recruiting class of 2023 on Wednesday, Dec. 21.

WVU Football Class of 2023 Signees

Traylon Ray | WR | 6-3 | 185 lbs | North Christian HS | Tallahassee, FL | LOI: 12:35 PMA three-sport athlete, Ray also plays basketball and baseball in high school. He averaged 15.1 points per game in basketball last year, while also batting .359 in baseball. That athleticism allowed him to shine in football, as well, where he helped North Florida Christian to an 11-1 record this past season. As a senior, he had 70 receptions for 1,236 receiving yards and 11 TDs. In 2021, Ray pulled in 87 receptions for 1,366 yards and 17 TDs. His accomplishments earned Ray offers from Florida State, Florida, Tennessee, Mississippi State, Miami and Cincinnati.Two-way player for coach Brent Hill at North Florida Christian … a three-sport athlete in football, basketball and baseball …. earned Class 2A All-State Second Team in 2021 as a utility player … in 2022, he had 70 receptions for 1,236 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns … also had 147 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 14 carries … as a defensive back, he had 37 tackles, four tackles for loss, six interceptions and seven pass breakups … also averaged 30.7 kickoff return yards and 15.0 punt return yards … in 2022, he helped his team to an 11-1 record, advancing to the regional finals in Florida’s 1S state playoff … as a junior, helped North Florida Christian to a 6-5 record by pulling in 87 receptions for 1,366 yards and 17 touchdowns … on the basketball court as a junior, led NFC in scoring (15.1 points per game) and steals (2.1 per game) while pulling down 4.4 rebounds per game … as a shortstop, he batted .359 in 2022 … four-star rating by ESPN and On3 … No. 29 wide receiver nationally by On3, No. 51 by ESPN … No. 39 in the state of Florida and No. 194 overall by On3 … No. 82 recruit in Florida by ESPN … also offered by Tennessee, Mississippi State, Florida State, Florida, Miami, Virginia Tech, Boston College, Cincinnati, UCF and Georgia Tech.

Rodney Gallagher | WR | 5-11 | 175 lbs | Laurel Highlands HS | Uniontown, PA | LOI: 11:25 AMA highly-regarded two-sport athlete, Gallagher picked West Virginia over dozens of offers, which he narrowed to Penn State, Notre Dame and Virginia Tech before picking WVU. A member of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Fab 5 basketball team since his freshman year, Gallagher recently surpassed 1,500 career points in that sport. He had previously considered trying to play both football and basketball in college, but eventually decided to concentrate on football once he gets to that level. On the gridiron, he led the Mustangs to a pair of WPIAL 4A playoff appearances in the past two seasons. A starter at receiver and defensive back for Laurel Highlands as a freshman and sophomore, he spent most of his junior and senior years at quarterback and DB, but will be a receiver at WVU. He finished his high school career with 6,263 yards of offense (3,014 passing, 890 receiving on 56 catches and 2,359 rushing). The 2021-22 Post-Gazette Male Athlete of the year, Gallagher has been invited to the All-American Bowl, an annual East vs. West matchup inside the Alamodome on Jan. 7 in San Antonio, Texas.Played for coach Rich Kolesar at Laurel Highlands High … invited to play in the All-American Bowl, an annual East-West matchup in San Antonio, Texas … 2022 All-State First Team (ATH) by PennLive.com … WPIAL Class 4A Big Seven Conference Offensive Player of the Year … invited to play in the All-American Bowl, an annual East-West matchup in San Antonio, Texas … Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Fab 22 … earned multiple all-state and all-conference honors … 2021 Class 4A All-State (ATH) … Pittsburgh Post-Gazette WPIAL Male Athlete of the Year … played quarterback as a senior, completing 93-of-167 (55.7%) passes for 1,272 yards and 13 touchdowns … on the ground, he ran for 690 yards on 146 carries and tallied 11 touchdowns … also caught 13 passes for 77 yards and four touchdowns … led LHHS to an 8-3 record, including a 5-1 mark in the WPIAL AAAA Big Seven … during his junior season, he completed 104-of-179 (58.1%) passes for 1,365 yards and 12 touchdowns … also ran for 1,130 yards on 169 carries and scored 21 touchdowns … guided Laurel Highlands to an 8-3 finish and helped the Mustangs reach the WPIAL AAAA Quarterfinals in 2021 … finished his high school career with 3,014 passing yards on 225-of-395 (57%) attempts and 29 touchdowns … also tallied 2,376 rushing yards on 418 carries (5.7 YPC) and 40 touchdowns, to go along with 890 receiving yards on 56 catches for 11 touchdowns … also a standout basketball player for Laurel Highlands … three-time All-State First Team selection … surpassed 1,500 career points … three-time member of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s ‘Fab 5’ … averaged 18.6 points and 4.0 assists per game as a junior … rated as a four-star prospect by ESPN, and On3 … member of the ESPN300 for the Class of 2023, checking in at No. 177 nationally … ESPN tabs him as the No. 13 athlete and the No. 2 prospect in Pennsylvania … 247Sports ranks him as the No. 32 wide receiver and the No. 3 player in Pennsylvania … ranked No. 49 wide receiver nationally and No. 7 recruit in Pennsylvania by On3 … held more than 20 offers … also offered by Arizona State, Cincinnati, Houston, Iowa State, Louisville, Maryland, Michigan, Michigan State, Minnesota, NC State, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Oklahoma State, Ole Miss, Oregon, Penn State, Pitt, Syracuse, Texas, Virginia Tech and Wisconsin.

D. J. Oliver | RB | 5-11 | 240 lbs | Port St. Joe HS | Port St. Joe, FL | LOI: 11:20 AM A recent commitment, Oliver was a running back and linebacker in high school. He’s expected to be a running back at WVU, after finishing his senior season with 983 rushing yards in leading Port St. Joe to an 8-3 record. He also had 90 tackles and nine sacks. On top of football, he also competes in both weightlifting and on the track team (100-meter dash and shotput) in high school. Oliver had previously committed to USF, but then switched to WVU.Played running back for coach Tanner Jones at Port Saint Joe High … earned 2021 All-State First Team honors … as a senior, he finished with 983 yards and seven touchdowns, averaging 12.93 yards per carry … finished with more than 1,100 all-purpose yards, averaged 8.0 tackles per game and had nine sacks … helped lead Port Saint Joe High to an 8-3 record and advance to the first round of the state playoffs … as a junior, he compiled 2,067 total yards from scrimmage, 25 total touchdowns and 107 total tackles … had eight 100-yard rushing performances, four with more than 200 yards and eight multiple-touchdown performances … season-high 315 yards and three touchdowns against Dixie County … also dominant in track & field, putting up impressive numbers as a junior in the 100 meter dash, shot put (finished fourth) and weightlifting (finished third) categories at the state level … ranked second in the state in class 1A in both rushing yards and total points scored … helped lead the Sharks to an 8-2 record and a first-round bye in the playoffs ... received votes for the 2021 Florida class 1A player of the year and finished in the top five …. three-star rating by ESPN and On3 … No. 44 rated athlete and No. 136 recruit in Florida by On3 … No. 90 running back nationally and No. 185 prospect in Florida by ESPN … also offered by Army, Air Force, USF, FAU and UAB.

Johnny Williams | OL | 6-7 | 315 lbs | Northeast HS | Macon, Ga | LOI: 10:50 AMA first-team all-region pick in 2022, Williams helped Northeast High to an 8-4 record, advancing to the second round of the Georgia 2A playoffs. In 2021, the Raiders finished with a 9-4 record and advanced to the quarterfinal round of Georgia’s Class AA playoffs in 2021. The Raiders’ offense averaged 221.6 rushing and 162.7 passing yards per game in 2021, as well as 25.5 points per game. He selected West Virginia over offers from numerous Power 5 programs, including Florida State, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Louisville, N.C. State, Syracuse and Virginia.Played for coach Jeremy Wiggins at Northeast High ... Earned 2022 All-Region 2-2A First-Team honors as selected by the league’s coaches ... Helped lead Northeast to an 8-4 record in 2022 and advanced to the second round of the Georgia 2A playoffs ... Helped pave the way for the Raider offense to average 278.6 rushing yards per game As a junior, helped Northeast to a 9-4 record and a spot in the quarterfinal round of Georgia’s Class AA playoffs in 2021 ... Three-star rating by ESPN and On3 ... No. 36 offensive tackle ranking overall and No. 39 prospect in Georgia by ESPN ...Rated No. 72 offensive tackle nationally and No. 98 prospect in Georgia by On3 ... Also offered by Arizona State, Connecticut, Duke, Florida State, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Louisville, Miami, NC State, Oregon and Virginia

Oryend Fisher | EDGE | 6-6 | 215 lbs | Great Crossing HS | Georgetown, KY | LOI: 9:05 AMFisher led Great Crossing to an 8-3 record this past season and a spot in the state playoffs. A Class 5A first-team all-state honoree in 2022, he had 76.5 tackles, 14 TFLs, 13.5 sacks and forced three fumbles. Played for coach Ricky Bowling at Great Crossing High … 2022 Class 5A All-State First Team … Kentucky Sports Radio All-State Team (DL) … 2021 Kentucky Sports Radio All-State Team (EDGE) … posted 84 tackles, including 11.5 sacks, during his senior season … as a junior, he posted 77 tackles, including 14 tackles for loss and 13.5 sacks … also forced three fumbles and recovered two during his 2021 season … overall, he amassed 161 tackles and 25 sacks between his junior and senior seasons … led GCHS to an 8-3 record and a berth in KHSAA Class 5A playoffs in 2022 … also led the Warhawks to an 8-3 record and the Class 5A playoff during his junior campaign … rated as a three-star prospect by ESPN and On3 … On3 ranks him as the No. 55 edge rusher and No. 1 prospect in Kentucky … ESPN rates him as the No. 137 defensive end in the country and the No. 11 prospect in Kentucky … also held offers from Kentucky, Louisville and Vanderbilt.

Josiah Trotter | LB | 6-2 | 230 lbs | St. Joseph's Prep | Philadelphia, PA | LOI: 8:55 AMTrotter is a highly-rated linebacker who has outstanding DNA. His father, Jeremiah Trotter, Sr., was an 11-year NFL veteran (mostly with the Eagles) and a four-time Pro Bowler, while his older brother, Jeremiah Trotter, Jr., is currently an All-American linebacker at Clemson. A first-team all-state linebacker in 2021, Josiah was highly sought by some of the top schools in the country. Injured early this past season, Josiah came back to help St. Joseph’s to a 12-1 record and a 6A Pennsylvania state championship. Despite the injury, he still amassed 72 tackles and three sacks. He has been invited to the All-American Bowl, played in San Antonio on Jan. 7.Played for coach Tim Roken at Saint Joseph’s Prep … invited to play in the All-American Bowl, an annual East-West matchup in San Antonio, Texas … 2022 All-State First Team (LB) by PennLive.com … 2021 Pennsylvania Football Writers’ 6A All-State Team (LB) … 2021 All-Eastern PA Football Co-Player of the Year … earned All-Catholic First Team honors … helped the Hawks to a 12-1 mark and PIAA Class 6A state title … finished with 75 tackles, two forced fumbles, three sacks and an interception as a senior … missed four games due to injury … returned an interception for a touchdown against Roman Catholic … recorded 114 tackles, nine tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, two fumble recoveries and six passes defended as a junior … led Hawks to an 11-3 mark in 2021, culminating in a state-championship game berth … helped St. Joseph's Prep to a 6-0 record and 6A state championship as a sophomore … his father, Jeremiah, was a two-time All-Pro and four-time Pro Bowl linebacker with the Philadelphia Eagles … four-star prospect by ESPN … three-star prospect by On3 … listed as the No. 15 inside linebacker in the nation by ESPN, as well as the No. 6 Pennsylvania prospect … ranked No. 104 linebacker nationally and No. 24 prospect in Pennsylvania by On3 … also offered by Clemson, Maryland, Miami, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oregon, Penn State, South Carolina Tennessee, Texas A&M and Virginia Tech, among others.

Cooper Young | OL | 6-5 | 305 lbs | Downington West HS | Downington, PA | LOI: 8:40 AMBesides being a two-way lineman at Downingtown West, Young also is a catcher and first baseman on the baseball team. His football team was 9-2 this past season, advancing to the second round of the state playoffs. It averaged 153.4 passing and 198.3 rushing yards per game. Young was named first-team all-Ches-Mont League in 2022 as an offensive lineman and was second team as a defensive lineman. He also was a second-team all-Ches-Mont offensive lineman in 2021.Played for coach Mike Milano at Downingtown West High … In 2022, named All-Ches-Mont League First Team (OL) and second team (DL) … earned All-Ches-Mont League Second Team honors (OL) in 2021… BCFCA All-Academic team … named All-Area Honorable Mention as a junior … as a senior, Downingtown was 9-2, advancing to the second round of the state playoffs … helped pave the way for Downingtown to average 198.3 rushing yards per game and had 39 rushing touchdowns … besides being a two-way lineman, he also is a catcher and first baseman on the baseball team … as a junior, offense averaged 177.4 rushing yards per game, had three 100-yard rushing performances and scored 26 rushing touchdowns … three-star rating by ESPN and On3 … ESPN ranks him as the No. 77 offensive guard, No. 147 in the region and No. 25 prospect in Pennsylvania … No. 120 offensive lineman nationally and No. 30 recruit in Pennsylvania from On3 … also offered by Maryland, Pitt, Syracuse, Temple and Virginia.

Jahiem White | RB | 5-9 | 190 lbs | William Penn HS | York, PA | LOI: 8:30 AMA 2021 first-team class 6A all-state running back in Pennsylvania, White rushed for 2,128 yards as a junior and 1,918 as a senior. For his career, White totaled 5,378 yards of offense and scored 588 points. He committed to WVU in December of 2021.Played for coach Russ Stoner at York High … 2022 All-State First Team (RB) by PennLive.com … 2022 York Daily Record Offensive Player of the Year … York-Adams Interscholastic Athletic Association Division I Offensive Player of the Year … 2021 Pennsylvania Football Writers’ 6A All-State Team (RB) … recorded 1,918 yards and 37 touchdowns as a senior … also added 33 catches for 428 yards in 2022 … had 19 two-point conversions … led Bearcats to a 6-4 finish and spot in the District 3 Class 6A playoffs … York’s offense averaged 45.0 points per game … ran for 417 yards with seven touchdowns against Dallastown … also tallied 328 yards and three scores in a playoff game against Central York … totaled 178 scrimmage yards, scored five touchdowns, had two interceptions and registered more than 100 return yards in a game against Carlisle … ran for 2,128 yards and 31 touchdowns as a junior, helping his team to a 7-3 mark … earned multiple all-state honors … school-record holder in career rushing yards (5,780) … No. 2 in York County history in rushing yards … ranked as a three-star prospect by ESPN and On3 … On3 rates him as the No. 68 running back nationally and No. 18 recruit in Pennsylvania … also rated as the No. 23 player from Pennsylvania and No. 63 running back nationally by ESPN … also offered by Louisville, Bowling Green, Old Dominion, among others.

James Heard | EDGE | 6-2 | 225 lbs | Camden HS | Camden, SC | LOI: 8:20 AMAfter playing at St. Joseph’s Prep in Philadelphia as a junior, Heard spent his senior season at Camden (N.J.) High, which was 10-3 in 2022, advancing to the New Jersey Group 3 semifinals before falling to Delsea. In nine games this past season, Heard had 38 tackles (32 assisted and 6 solo) and 18 sacks, and he was named the South Jersey defensive player of the year. Noted for his pass-rushing ability coming off the edge.Played his senior year for coach Rob Hinson at Camden High … named 2022 NJ.com’s All-State First Team (DL) … earned All-Group 3 Defensive honors (DL) … West Jersey Football League Constitution Division Player of the Year … honored as The Courier Post South Jersey Defensive Player of the Year … 2021 Pennsylvania Football Writers’ 6A All-State Team (DL) … helped Camden to a 10-3 record, a spot in the New Jersey Group 3 semifinals and a No. 19 final ranking in New Jersey … senior stats included 38 tackles, 18 sacks and three forced fumbles … as a junior, he turned in 37 tackles (23 solo), 10.5 sacks and 19.5 tackles for loss, playing for St. Joseph’s Prep in Philadelphia … also started as a sophomore at Eastern Regional High in Voorhees, New Jersey, contributing 25 tackles (23 solo), 3.5 sacks and 6.5 tackles for loss … three-star rating from ESPN which ranks him No. 12 overall in New Jersey, No. 64 overall in the region and No. 40 nationally at his position … three-star ranking from On3, rating him the No. 72 linebacker nationally and No. 20 recruit in New Jersey … received 15 offers … also offered by Boston College, Cincinnati, Duke, Kentucky, Maryland, Miami, Nebraska, Ole Miss, Penn State, Rutgers, Temple, Tennessee, Texas A&M, Virginia and Virginia Tech.

Ben Cutter | LB | 6-1 | 215 lbs | East Lincoln HS | Denver, NC | LOI: 8:00 AMThe two-time Western Foothills Conference Defensive Player of the Year, Cutter led East Lincoln to a 16-0 record and the class 3A North Carolina state championship in 2022. He was the defensive player of the game in the state title contest. As a senior, he rushed for 305 yards and three TDs on 37 carries, and also caught four passes for 78 yards. On defense, Cutter was credited with 193 tackles with eight TFLs and four interceptions. As a junior, he had 158 tackles (37 solo and 121 assisted) with three fumbles forced and one blocked punt. Played for coach David Lubowicz at East Lincoln High … a four-year performer and one of the top defensive players in North Carolina … two-time Western Foothills Conference Defensive Player of the Year … defensive MVP of the state championship game, with 11 tackles in a 30-15 victory over previously unbeaten Northern Nash … selected to the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas All-Star game … led team to a 16-0 record, a 7-0 conference championship and the Class 3A state championship as a senior … collected 193 tackles as a senior with two sacks, eight tackles for loss and four interceptions … averaged 12.1 tackles per game … also ran for 305 yards with three touchdowns averaging 8.2 yards per carry … as a junior, collected 158 tackles, 15 tackles for loss and one interception … rushed for 213 yards and three touchdowns averaging 6.3 yards per carry … turned in 91 tackles as a sophomore, averaging 13 tackles per game … Registered 137 total tackles as a freshman, including 11 tackles for loss … ESPN’s three-star rating lists him as the No. 32 inside linebacker in the country and No. 28 overall recruit in North Carolina … three-star rating by On3 … Also offered by Wake Forest, Louisville, East Carolina, Tulane, Liberty, Coastal Carolina and Appalachian State.

Zach Keith | DL | 6-5 | 240 lbs | Douglas County HS | Douglasville, GA | LOI: 7:55 AMKeith originally committed to Georgia Tech but eventually decommitted and picked WVU. A first-team class 6A all-state honoree in 2021, Keith had 101 tackles (59 solos and 42 assists) and 14 sacks as a junior. This past season, in earning honorable mention all-region accolades, he was credited with 76 tackles (46 solos and 30 assists), as well as four sacks for Douglas County, which was 7-4.Played for coach Johnny White at Douglas County High … 2022 Class 6A, All-Region 5 Honorable-Mention selection … 2021 Class 6A All-State First Team … helped team to a 7-4 overall record as a senior and a 5-2 conference mark, which earned a spot in the state 6A playoffs … recorded 76 total tackles (46 solo) as a senior with four sacks, seven tackles for loss and averaged eight tackles per game … as a junior, he contributed 101 total tackles (59 solo) and 14 sacks in helping team to an 8-4 overall record and a 4-3 mark in conference play … contributed 11 stops as a sophomore … career statistics totaled 188 total tackles (114 solo), 20 sacks, four forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and a 7.8 tackles per game average … rated four-star recruit by On3 and a member of its Top 300 recruit list at No. 229 … On3 ranks him as the No. 22 prospect in the state and No. 25 nationally at his position … three-star rating from ESPN, No. 77 mark in Georgia and No. 100 defensive end nationally … MaxPreps lists him as the No. 82 recruit in Georgia … received a total of 16 scholarship offers … also offered by Boston College, Georgia Tech, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi State, Tennessee, UCF and Vanderbilt.

Nick Krahe | OL | 6-6 | 295 lbs | Harbor Creek HS | Harbor Creek, PA | LOI: 7:45 AMA two-sport athlete, who also plays basketball at Harbor Creek, Krahe was a first-team all-Region 5 honoree as both an offensive and defensive lineman in 2022. Defensively this past season he was credited with 74 tackles, 7.5 TFLs, one sack, five QB hurries, one forced fumble and two fumble recoveries. He’s expected to be an offensive tackle at WVU. Played guard and tackle for coach Troy Budziszewski at Harbor Creek High … two-time All-Region 5 First-Team honoree as both an offensive and defensive lineman in 2022 … Erie Times-News District 10 Football Small School All-Star team … credited with 74 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, one sack, five quarterback hurries, one forced fumble and two fumble recoveries … as a junior, he finished with 59 tackles, six quarterback hurries and a sack …. also plays basketball … outstanding student with a 4.0+ GPA … three-star rating by ESPN, and On3 …. ranked No. 26 in Pennsylvania by ESPN and No. 28 by On3 … No. 98 offensive tackle by On3, No. 111 by ESPN … received more than 30 offers, including Boston College, Air Force, Connecticut, Maryland and Pitt.

Noah Braham | TE | 6-2 | 225 lbs | University HS | Morgantown, WV | LOI: 7:40 AMThe son of former WVU All-American Rich Braham, who also spent 13 years in the NFL (1994-2006), Noah battled injuries this past year but still earned honorable mention Class AAA all-state notice. Also playing linebacker and defensive end for the Hawks, who were 7-4 in 2022, Braham will likely be a tight end for the Mountaineers. He had 38 receptions for 489 yards and six touchdowns at that position this past season, while recording 25 tackles and 10 TFLs on defense.Played tight end and linebacker for coach John Kelley at University High … moved around positionally in high school, playing linebacker and defensive line for the Hawks … suffered an ankle injury at the mid-point of his junior season, limiting his time on the field in the latter half of the season and the beginning of his senior year … as a senior, he totaled 38 receptions for 489 yards and also scored six touchdowns … as a junior, he caught 16 passes for 350 yards and three touchdowns … on defense as a sophomore, he recorded 49 tackles, including 38 solos and three sacks … also was used as a punt returner as a sophomore, totaling 15 returns … rated a three-star prospect by ESPN and On3 … No. 63 inside linebacker nationally and No. 2 prospect in West Virginia by ESPN … rated No. 136 edge rusher nationally and No. 3 recruit in West Virginia by On3 … son of WVU Hall of Fame offensive lineman and former Cincinnati Bengal Rich Braham (1990-93).

Tory "T.J." Johnson, Jr. | WR | 6-4 | 215 lbs | Oscar Smith HS | Chesapeake, VA | LOI: 7:35 AMA receiver at Oscar Smith, Johnson is expected to switch over to tight end at WVU. He had 24 receptions for 343 yards and six TDs as a senior. He helped Oscar Smith to a pair of 6A state championships in 2020 and ’21, and a 9-2 record in ’22, which ended in the playoff’s regional semifinal round. T.J.’s father, Tory Johnson, Sr., was a tight end at WVU (2000-03) and his mother, Tiffany Johnson, also is a WVU grad and now is a teacher.Played for coach Chris Scott at Oscar Smith HS … earned Virginia All-State Second Team honors as a junior … named All-Region First Team … helped guide OSHS to a 9-2 record, including an 8-0 mark in the Southeastern Conference … helped the Tigers reach the second round of the Virginia Class 6A Playoffs in 2022 … saw action in nine games as a senior, including two playoff games … finished with 24 catches for 343 yards and six touchdowns … scored four touchdowns against Old Hickory High … during his sophomore and junior seasons, he helped Oscar Smith High to a record of 22-1 and a pair of Virginia Class 6A State Championships … also helped OSHS go 12-0 in the Southeastern Conference from 2020-21 … his father, Tory Johnson Sr., was a tight end at WVU (2000-03) who had 14 career receptions for 145 yards and five touchdowns … rated as a three-star prospect by ESPN and On3 … ESPN ranks him as the No. 38 tight end in this year’s class, as well as the No. 42 player in Virginia … On3 ranks him as the No. 158 wide receiver nationally and No. 27 recruit in Virginia … also offered by East Carolina, Maryland, North Carolina, Pitt and Virginia.

Sean Boyle | QB | 6-2 | 200 lbs | Charlotte Catholic HS | Charlotte, NC | LOI: 7:25 AMThe Southwestern 4A Conference Player of the Year in 2022, Boyle led Charlotte Catholic to a 9-3 mark, helping it advance to the second round of the North Carolina 4A state playoffs. In 12 games in ’22, he completed 112 of 164 passes for 1,941 yards with 21 TDs and three interceptions, and he also rushed for 218 yards and four TDs on 38 carries. Boyle originally committed to UNC Charlotte but when the 49ers fired their coach in midseason, he decommitted, picked up offers from WVU and Rutgers and quickly accepted West Virginia’s offer.Played quarterback for coach Mike Brodowicz at Charlotte Catholic High … listed as a pro-style quarterback … selected as the Southwestern 4A Conference Player of the Year at the conclusion of his senior season in 2022 … as a senior, he led Charlotte Catholic to a 9-3 mark, as well as a 5-1 record in conference play to finish third … completed 112-of-164 passes as a senior for 1,941 yards and 21 touchdowns … also compiled 218 yards rushing … as a junior, he completed 52-of-90 passes for 800 yards and seven touchdowns … also compiled 179 rushing yards with a pair of rushing touchdowns … helped Catholic to a pair of Class 3A state championships at the conclusion of his freshman and sophomore years … also hit on 50-of-85 passes for 748 yards with 10 touchdowns as a sophomore … rated a three-star prospect by ESPN and On3 … rated No. 36 quarterback nationally and No. 30 recruit in North Carolina by ESPN … ranked a No. 39 prospect in North Carolina and No. 25-rated quarterback by On3 … also offered by Charlotte, Connecticut, Memphis, Rutgers and USF.

Jordan Jackson | CB | 6-0 | 175 lbs | Fairfield HS | Fairfield, OH | LOI: 7:10 AMPart of a combo pack for WVU, Jordan’s twin brother Josiah also is headed to West Virginia as a member of the class of 2023. An all-conference running back (870 yards and six TDs on 139 attempts), Jordan is expected to be a cornerback for the Mountaineers. Played for coach Jason Krause at Fairfield High … received all-conference and all-district honors … helped Indians to a 7-4 record and appearance in the OHSAA playoffs as a senior … ran for 870 yards on 139 attempts with six touchdowns as a senior … also caught 10 passes for 197 yards and two scores … ran for 237 yards and a touchdown against Colerain … also registered 131 rushing yards against Sycamore and 118 against Lakota East … helped Fairfield to a 5-4 mark and second-round playoff appearance as a junior … totaled 973 yards with six scores in 2021 … secured 270 yards on 15 carries with three touchdowns in Fairfield’s opening-round playoff win over Mason … had 42 tackles and an interception during his sophomore season … twin brother of fellow WVU commit Josiah Jackson … three-star prospect by ESPN and On3 … ranked No. 40 athlete nationally and No. 29 recruit in Ohio by On3 … ESPN rates him as the No. 37 athlete in the country, No. 35 in the region and No. 12 player in Ohio … also offered by Duke, Maryland, Minnesota and Purdue, among others.

Josiah Jackson | CB | 6-0 | 175 lbs | Fairfield HS | Fairfield, PH | LOI: 7:12 AMJosiah’s twin brother Jordan also is headed to West Virginia as a member of the class of 2023, picking the Mountaineers over Purdue, Minnesota and Duke. A first-team Division I all-Ohio defensive back, Josiah had 35 tackles and three PBUs in 2022. He and his brother helped Fairfield to a 7-4 season and a spot in the OHSAA playoffs.Played for coach Jason Krause at Fairfield High … 2022 OHSAA Division I All-State First Team … selected to play in the 2023 US Army Bowl in Frisco, Texas … multiple-time all-conference selection … earned all-region and all-city honors … helped the Indians to a 7-4 record and appearance in the OHSAA playoffs as a senior … totaled 35 tackles in 2022, including 2.5 tackles for loss, three pass breakups, one forced fumble and a touchdown … recorded a 27-yard punt return for a touchdown against Lakota East … a member of Fairfield’s 5-4 squad in 2021, which reached the second round of the Division I playoffs … had 48 tackles with two interceptions as a junior … also secured 41 tackles, one fumble recovery and a touchdown during his sophomore campaign … twin brother of fellow WVU commit Jordan Jackson … earned four-star by On3 and three-star distinction by ESPN … On3 rates him No. 20 cornerback nationally and No. 5 recruit in Ohio … ESPN grades him as the No. 91 cornerback nationally and No. 23 player in Ohio … also offered by Duke, Boston College, Cincinnati, Indiana, Iowa State, Maryland and Vanderbilt, among others.