West Virginia Makes a Late Large-Sized Addition to the Running Back Room.

West Virginia has added a seventh running back to its roster, bringing in junior college standout Tyler Jacklich from Merced College.

Jacklich earned NorCal Offensive Player of the Year honors in high school after rushing for 2,278 yards and 32 touchdowns on 201 carries, ranking third statewide in California. He started his college career at Wyoming before transferring to Merced, where he ran for 960 yards and 12 touchdowns last season.

The Mountaineers moved to sign him after SMU transfer Jaylan Knighton was removed from the roster and while awaiting an eligibility ruling on Northern Iowa transfer Tye Edwards, whose hearing is set for August 19 along with three other WVU players. If Edwards is ruled ineligible, the 6’2″, 223-pound Jacklich could step into the short-yardage power back role.

Head coach Rich Rodriguez noted the challenge of integrating a late addition, especially with conditioning and learning the high-tempo offense, but said upcoming practices should help Jacklich get up to speed.

 

Updated WVU RB depth chart:

 

Jahiem White

Diore Hubbard

Tye Edwards

Kannon Katzer

Clay Ash

Tyler Jacklich