WVU football has been struggling to have any luck in the running back room this season.
Jahiem White was projected to be the dominant man in the Mountaineers' backfield and started the first two games, but was lost for the season due to injury against Ohio. Jaylan Knighton's career at WVU ended before it could begin in the preseason due to eligibility issues, and Tye Edwards had to fight in court to earn his eligibility – once he had it, he exploded for 141 yards and three touchdowns against Pitt, but a hip pointer kept him out last week against Kansas, and he's questionable for the upcoming Utah game.
Cyncir Bowers has shown flashes of potential in limited reps, but suffered a concussion against Kansas and is doubtful for Utah. Clay Ash has been the consistent healthy piece, but has shown the least potential as a true game-changer in the backfield of any backs so far. And JUCO transfer Tyler Jacklich looked decent in late-game action against Kansas, but also had a fumble and lacks Division 1 game experience. But there is one more option in the running back room who has been banged up all season and unable to play, who is no longer appearing on injury reports and seems ready to go – and that is Kannon Katzer.
Gods timing! https://t.co/38AZv89aE1
— Kannon Katzer (@kannon_katzer) September 25, 2025
This is a great time to remind everyone that we only had two running backs coming off 1,000-yard seasons on the roster this year – Kannon Katzer and Tye Edwards. That could be the combo needed after Jahiem's injury. #HailWV https://t.co/7uwLPlTNJZ
— Joe Smith (@joesmithwrites) September 25, 2025
Katzer was a 1,000-yard rusher for Division 2 national champions Ferris State last season, where he played alongside current Ole Miss standout quarterback Trinidad Chambliss – he scored 11 touchdowns for the Bulldogs and went over 100 yards rushing in three separate games, including one 200-yard, three touchdown effort. He also chipped in 97 yards in the team's national championship victory. Katzer also brings FBS experience, having spent three seasons at Washington State to start his collegiate career.
As the Mountaineers have struggled to find a consistent option at the position, Katzer could prove to fill that role. And it just so happens he's finally healthy enough to go at a time where running back depth is probably more of a concern than it has been all year for WVU. Keep an eye on whether or not Katzer gets any carries this weekend in his first game as a Mountaineer – and if he does, expect him to have show flashes of what made him such a weapon for a national championship program in 2024.