Amir Jenkins, a sophomore guard for West Virginia University, is making steady progress in his recovery from two shoulder surgeries, a timeline that has surprised many within the program.
A timeline of resilience
The first injury forced Jenkins to play through pain for much of the season, and a subsequent setback during a loss to TCU revealed a torn labrum that required surgical intervention.
Recent legislative adjustments to eligibility rules have removed the possibility of a redshirt year, meaning Jenkins is slated to see action in the upcoming 2025‑26 campaign, a development his coach Ross Hodge has confirmed.
Hodge emphasized that the coaching staff is focused on restoring Jenkins’ range of motion and rebuilding strength, noting that the player’s mental toughness has been a cornerstone of his rehab.
Should Jenkins miss the opening stretch of the 2026‑27 season, the team will turn to Martin Somerville, who is expected to assume the role of primary backup point guard behind Miles Sadler.
Beyond the statistical contributions, Jenkins’ presence adds depth and experience to the Mountaineers’ backcourt, reinforcing a culture of resilience as the program looks to build on recent progress.