West Virginia Football: Top 5 spring 2022 breakout candidates

MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - DECEMBER 31: Sam James #13 of the West Virginia Mountaineers signals first down during a game against Army Black Knights at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium on December 31, 2020 in Memphis, Tennessee. The Mountaineers defeated the Black Knights 24-21. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

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Oct 23, 2021; Fort Worth, Texas, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers running back Tony Mathis Jr. (24) dives for the endzone during the second half against the TCU Horned Frogs at Amon G. Carter Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Tony Mathis Jr.

Unlike Sam James, who will benefit from a new player and new quarterback, Tony Mathis Jr. should breakout simply because he has the chance to.

With WVU’s workhorse running back and leading rusher Leddie Brown graduating, it’s now Mathis’ time to step up and take the load. WVU fans got to see glimpses of Mathis’ talent in the back half of last year’s season. His 118-yard game against a surging Kansas team helped the Mountaineers win the game. Mathis has all the tools to put together a great season as the lead back. He boasts great size, feet, speed, and agility for the position and will be helped with how complete WVU’s offensive line is.

The new offensive scheme that Harrell is bringing to WVU should unlock Mathis’ full potential at the position. Mathis Jr. will be a powerhouse in the new system, though there may be more depth at running back than in recent years.

Still, the competition should bring out the best in WVU’s new workhorse.

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