The role of a running back with the WVU football program has changed over the years.
There’s been a sleek, speedy back like Noel Devine, a straight power back like Kay Jay Harris and a mix of both with all-time leading rusher Avon Cobourne.
Of course, Tavon Austin changed the game forever taking hand offs in the backfield and no player can ever match his skill and athleticism. But Jalen Holston would like to try.
Holston is the most recent offensive prospect to receive a scholarship offer from the Mountaineers.
The junior out of Stonebridge, Ga. is considered to be a three-star recruit by most scouting outlets, but also has a four-star rating on his own accord.
You know who else was a three-star recruit? Avon Cobourne. You know who else was a four-star recruit? Tavon Austin.
"God got me I swea, proud to say I've received an offer from West Virginia University ⚪️"
Size-wise, Holston is taller than Cobourne, listed at 5-10. Weight-wise, the two are similar, weighing in at around 200 pounds.
His breakaway speed, however, looks like it could rival that of Austin when he was coming out of high school.
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Holston has clocked in with a 4.56 40 time, which will likely drop by at least two seconds by the time he enters college.
Speaking of college, Holston will have his pick of the litter with several schools. Currently, he has other offers from Duke, Missouri, Virginia, Virginia Tech, and North Carolina State, among others.
According to 247sports, Duke is his most likely destination. However, that was before WVU football entered the game. The Mountaineers offer a dynamic offense and a track record of sustained success, more than the aforementioned programs can bring.
The state of Georgia has not always been key to the Mountaineers’ recruiting efforts, but the lure of the Big 12 Conference can be intriguing for a kid from the deep South.
A lot can happen between now and signing day of next year, but Holston could be the West Virginia running back of the future.
It all starts with an offer, and Holston has plenty.