West Virginia’s freshman running back room keeps moving through fall camp, but SirPaul Cheeks is still nowhere to be found.
Midway through August, Cheeks is not listed on the roster, and the picture is getting less and less encouraging for his chances of arriving for the 2026 season. There has been no update on his status, and at this point it is difficult to see how he fits into the Mountaineers’ plans.
The roster math only adds to the uncertainty. West Virginia has two scholarship spots available, though it is unclear whether Cheeks is already being counted in that number or whether those openings are separate from his situation.
Based on everything available, it appears to be the latter. Rodriguez also told reporters earlier this week that he would not be cutting anybody from the roster to create space for one of the fifth-year players or for anyone coming in from the transfer portal.
That matters because the Mountaineers just announced that cornerback Jason Chambers and tight end Jacob Barrick have "begun to participate in team activities" while the fifth-year eligibility battle with the NCAA continues to play out in court. For now, they and the rest of the class of 2022 players who have not completed five seasons remain eligible, though that could change if the Tenth Circuit rules otherwise.
As for Cheeks, the silence has been total. If he does not join WVU soon, the JUCO route may end up being the path he takes to start his career.
Cheeks tore his ACL in mid-October during his senior season and told me he expected to be back to football activities by late June or early July. Since then, there has been nothing further on his rehab or his standing with the program.
For now, the Mountaineers are planning as if the backfield will run through Cam Cook, with true freshman Amari Latimer lined up as the main backup. Martavious Boswell, the JUCO addition, and Chris Talley are battling for the RB3 role, while Andre Devine - or “little Andre Devine, as Rich Rod calls him” - has continued making plays in camp after doing the same in spring ball.
There is plenty of inexperience behind Cook, but West Virginia still has enough talent in the room to get by. Cheeks’ absence does not appear to be changing that plan.
In Other News...
WVU Brings Back A Home Game Perk Fans Will Appreciate
Mountaineer fans heading back to Milan Puskar Stadium this fall will find a familiar perk waiting for them at the concession stands. WVU Athletics has announced the return of Fan First concession pricing on select items and stand locations for home football games, with popcorn, small bottled water, fountain drinks and pepperoni rolls among the offerings available at designated spots around the stadium.
The school is also bringing back the Coca-Cola Season Ticket Holder Deal of the Game, another game-day benefit aimed at rewarding the fans who have committed for the full home slate. The deal will again give season ticket holders discounts on concessions and at the WVU Team Shop, a small but welcome touch as the Mountaineers look to make the stadium experience a little easier on the wallet. [Read more 🡒]
WVUs Next Roster Decision Could Bring Back Two Familiar Veterans
West Virginias roster picture still has a little room to shift as fall approaches, and two familiar veterans are back in the mix. The program said tight end Jacob Barrick and cornerback Jason Chambers are taking part in team activities while WVU waits on a legal decision that could affect whether players from the 2022 class can claim a fifth year of eligibility.
For the Mountaineers, the timing matters because the staff is already managing roster space with an eye on possible additions. WVU has two open spots available, and the plan is not to clear room by cutting anyone loose, even as the team keeps one eye on the transfer portal and another on the outcome of the eligibility ruling. [Read more 🡒]
West Virginias Rebuilt Defense Faces Early Test Up Front
West Virginias defense is entering preseason practice with a very different look, and the biggest changes are up front. The Mountaineers have almost completely remade their two-deep defensive roster, bringing in junior college and FBS additions at defensive line and bandit while also leaning on a few experienced returnees who could be pushed into bigger roles.
Rich Rodriguez said the roster turnover is part of the reality of this reset as camp and scrimmages get underway, and it puts the early spotlight on how quickly the new pieces can mesh. For a unit trying to establish itself before the season starts, the first few weeks up front will tell a lot about whether the rebuild is ahead of schedule or still very much a work in progress. [Read more 🡒]