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Jesus In Cleats: A Closer Look at WVU Football 2026 RB Commit SirPaul Cheeks

You might do a double-take while reading his name, but aside from his unique identity, SirPaul Cheeks could be a massive asset for Rich Rodriguez.
ByDylan Pauley|
A member of the West Virginia University football team records a crowd welcoming the team to Phoenix on the tarmac at Sky Harbor Airport on Dec. 25, 2021. Monica D. Spencer/The Republic 8999353002 Wvu Guaranteed Rate Bowl 8999353002 10
A member of the West Virginia University football team records a crowd welcoming the team to Phoenix on the tarmac at Sky Harbor Airport on Dec. 25, 2021. Monica D. Spencer/The Republic 8999353002 Wvu Guaranteed Rate Bowl 8999353002 10 | Monica D. Spencer/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK

When some WVU football fans came across the name of a recent Class of 2026 commit, it might have taken a minute for them to take the future Mountaineer seriously. But his interesting name should not take away from the potential that he will have to be a certified star at WVU.

On July 15, the Mountaineers secured commitment from SirPaul “Jesus in Cleats” Cheeks. Yes, you read that name right. His non-traditional name aside, Cheeks is a high-level running back prospect from Richmond, Virginia.

According to Rivals, Cheeks is a three-star recruit who can do a little bit of everything on the offensive side of the ball -- and his stats show that a three-star rating might be undervaluing the impact Cheeks has on the gridiron.

During his junior season in 2024, Cheeks recorded over 1,100 rushing yards and 16 rushing touchdowns. But he is not just a weapon on the ground, but also in the passing game. Cheeks hauled in 35 passes for 558 yards and six touchdowns. Averaging 15.9 yards per reception, his pass-catching skills prove that he is dangerous when he gets the ball in his hands, regardless of where he lines up to start the play.

Not only is Cheeks versatile on the football field, but he is also a two-sport athlete who runs track at Chesterfield (Va.). Bird High School. Cheeks set his personal records of 10.62 in the 100-meter dash, 21.45 in the 200-meter dash, 51.08 in the 400-meter dash, and 22-4” in the long jump, numbers that go a long way in demonstrating Cheeks pure athleticism.

And it won't take too much effort for WVU fans to remember what elite athletes who can line-up at multiple positions can do -- Tavon Austin jumps immediately to mind, but Steve Slaton fits the mold as a tailback who can function as a weapon in the pass game from Rich Rodriguez's first stint with the Mountaineers.

WVU beat out 17 other schools that offered Cheeks, including Pittsburgh, Virginia Tech, Minnesota, Kentucky, and others. Cheeks adds to the 2026 class at running back following commitments from Jett Walker and Christopher Talley, who are also three-star recruit running backs in the 2026 class.

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