Is Freshman RB Trey Johnson West Virginia's Next Workhorse?

With the season opener upon us, (Sept. 4th vs. Coastal Carolina) one new running back has been dazzling onlookers at West Virginia's summer training camps.

In fact, only on campus for a month, freshman running back Trey Johnson out of Richmond, Va., is already battling for the No. 2 position behind senior running back, and Doak Walker award candidate, Noel Devine.

Understandably, if Johnson doesn't make the No. 2 spot, he would likely still be a factor on offense throughout the year.

Like in years past, West Virginia's coaching staff has rotated running backs into receiver spots. Even the Mountaineers top receiver, Jock Sanders, was once a running back, so there's no reason to think that the Mountaineers can't get him worked into the offensive scheme.

The 5'10", 174-pound Johnson could certainly bulk up a bit over the next couple years. His frame could build on some more weight without losing much of his explosive speed.

Even Noel Devine think's so.

"He reminds me of myself," Devine said earlier this week, "He's going to be a great back."

Speed, athleticism, elusiveness, work ethics, the similarities are endless.

But Noel Devine and Trey Johnson aren't the only players carrying the ball for the Mountaineers this season.

West Virginia's backfield is one of the fastest in the nation with players like Noel Devine, Shawne Alston, Tavon Austin, and Trey Johnson giving some depth to the position.

Daquan Hargrett a red-shirted Freshman from Miami, Florida will likely see a lot of time on special teams this season, but also looks to make an impact in the future.

Only the start of the season will tell us whether the Mountaineers can really get all these players involved and utilize the potential of this running back group. Hopefully Coach Bill Stewart can figure out a way to incorporate all this talent into the offense this year and not let it go to waste.

As for me, once again, I expect another explosive Mountaineers rushing offense.