MORGANTOWN — West Virginia and Rich Rodriguez remained active in the portal, picking up their first running back commitment.

SMU running back Jaylan Knighton and Jacksonville State receiver Jordan McCant are reportedly committing to the Mountaineers for the 2025 season, making the portal additions this period over 10.

Knighton has one more year of eligibility left after playing for five years at the collegiate ranks for SMU and Miami. He missed most of last year with an injury, allowing him to redshirt and add another year of eligibility. In 2023, he recorded 745 yards on 136 carries for seven touchdowns. Before SMU, he played three seasons at Miami and rushed for over 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns. Knighton was a three-star transfer prospect, according to 247Sports, and was a four-star out of high school as the 12th-ranked running back in the class of 2020.

Knighton, the Florida native, is a dual-threat back, having experience catching passes out of the backfield. He had five receiving touchdowns and over 300 yards in five seasons. More importantly, he provided depth and experience to a running back room that needs depth since starter Jahiem White was banged up this spring, not playing in the Gold-Blue Spring Showcase.

McCant isn’t the first receiver Rodriguez has added. Rodriguez has added a couple of receivers already this opening, but he’s the first this spring to have experience with Rodriguez, playing with the Gamecocks. He saw limited action in three years at Jacksonville State with just 29 grabs and primarily saw time on special teams. McCant spent the spring and winter with new Jacksonville State head coach Charles Kelly, but wasn’t satisfied and reunited with Rodriguez.

The need for a wide receiver has been a point of emphasis this period, and was warranted since Rodriguez mentioned he didn’t have a 1-on-1 guy yet earlier this spring. McCant might not be that option at 5-foot-11, but definitely adds depth to the receiver room and on special teams. He has two more years of eligibility.

Rodriguez has now added 12 transfers this spring, including three receivers.