Roster turbulence ahead of fall camp
The latest edition of West Virginia University’s football media guide arrived without a preseason depth chart, a detail that immediately drew attention from analysts and fans alike.
Among the missing names is freshman running back SirPaul Cheeks, who has yet to appear on the official roster despite having committed to the program in December.
Cheeks’ journey to Morgantown has been marked by adversity; a torn ACL sustained in mid‑October ended his senior season prematurely, yet he still signed with the Mountaineers, hoping to enroll before the August 1 deadline for domestic freshmen.
His absence is more than a procedural footnote. The team already faces a thin backfield, having lost several experienced runners to prior injuries, and the lack of a clear depth chart amplifies the uncertainty surrounding the offensive scheme.
Coaches are turning to the remaining newcomers to fill the void. Christopher Talley, praised for his speed and agility, has emerged as the fastest back in spring drills, while Amari Latimer and Cam Cook are also being evaluated for primary roles behind returning starter Cam Cook.
If Cheeks were able to join the squad, he would likely begin as a developmental fourth back, but his potential impact on special teams and future depth charts remains a point of speculation.
Looking ahead
The Mountaineers’ ability to weather this early setback will depend on how quickly the coaching staff can integrate Talley and the other newcomers into a cohesive rotation. With the enrollment deadline looming, the program’s depth chart may yet see significant changes before the first game of the season.