West Virginia Lands Versatile Three-Star RB SirPaul Cheeks from Virginia Powerhouse Varina
West Virginia just picked up a commitment that could quietly pay big dividends down the road. SirPaul Cheeks, a dynamic 5-foot-9, 185-pound athlete out of Varina High School in Richmond, Virginia, has pledged to the Mountaineers, choosing WVU over Kentucky, Minnesota, and Virginia Tech.
Cheeks, rated as the No. 30 running back in the 2025 class and holding a solid three-star, 89-grade ranking, is the kind of player who doesn't fit neatly into one box-and that's exactly what makes him so intriguing.
Why WVU?
When asked why he chose West Virginia, Cheeks kept it simple and honest: “They show me the most love. When I visited the first time, I kept going back.
I don't know why. I just liked it.
It felt like home.”
That kind of connection matters, especially in today’s recruiting landscape where relationships and fit often outweigh logos and prestige. Running backs coach Larry Porter led the charge on Cheeks’ recruitment, and clearly, the bond they built helped seal the deal.
A Swiss Army Knife on the Field
Cheeks isn’t just a running back. He’s an athlete in the truest sense of the word.
During his time at Varina, he lined up all over the field-running back, wide receiver, defensive back-and made his presence felt in the return game as well. That versatility is a big reason why WVU was so persistent in bringing him aboard.
He’s got a shifty, explosive style that makes him dangerous in open space. Whether it’s a swing pass, an outside zone, or a kick return, Cheeks has the kind of burst that can flip field position in a heartbeat. And while it might be tempting to pigeonhole him as a gadget guy, he’s much more than that-he’s a potential matchup nightmare in the right system.
Early Impact Potential
Don’t be surprised if Cheeks makes his mark early on special teams. His return ability stands out immediately on tape, and that’s often the quickest path to the field for young skill players. Once he gets his feet under him, his offensive role could expand quickly, especially in a system that values speed and space.
There’s already some buzz about Cheeks drawing comparisons to former Mountaineer Darius Reynaud-a versatile playmaker who thrived in Rich Rodriguez’s offense. And while comparisons can sometimes feel like a stretch, this one has some legs. Both are compact, explosive athletes who can do damage from multiple spots on the field.
The Bottom Line
Cheeks might not be the highest-rated recruit in WVU’s 2025 class, but he’s the kind of player who can outperform his ranking. His versatility, football IQ, and ability to impact the game in all three phases make him a valuable addition to the Mountaineers’ roster.
In an era where offenses are all about adaptability and creating mismatches, SirPaul Cheeks could end up being one of the more important chess pieces in West Virginia’s future plans. Keep an eye on this one.