JUCO Player Calls WVU Football RB “One Of The Best Running Backs” He’s Played Against A former rival-turned-teammate of WVU running back Tyler Jacklich had high praise for the Mountaineers’ recent transfer addition.

Earlier this week, West Virginia head coach Rich Rodriguez followed through on his warning that he would pursue more running backs in the transfer portal to strengthen the team’s depth at the position.

With transfer pickup Jaylan Knighton sidelined for the season and fellow newcomer Tye Edwards still waiting on eligibility, Rodriguez emphasized the urgency of adding reinforcements. That addition came Wednesday night when JUCO standout Tyler Jacklich committed to the Mountaineers.

Jacklich, a 6-foot-2, 220-pound back, adds another physical, power-runner option similar to Edwards and former WVU star CJ Donaldson Jr. (2022–24). He spent last season at Merced College, recording 842 rushing yards and nine touchdowns in eight games, along with 12 receptions for 103 yards and two more scores. Before that, he began his career at Wyoming at the Division I level.

At Merced, Jacklich reunited with quarterback Hudson Wyatt, who had once been his high school rival. Reflecting on his teammate, Wyatt said: “Tyler brings a lot to the team. I’ve played against Tyler in high school. I know what type of player he is, and he’s definitely one of the best running backs I ever played against, and I know what he’s capable of doing.”