West Virginia University’s head coach Rich Rodriguez has unveiled a freshman class that could reshape the Mountaineers’ outlook for the upcoming season. The group, assembled without relying on the transfer portal, includes highly touted prospects who are expected to add depth and talent to the program.
Early Impact on the Practice Field
Kevin Brown, a 6‑foot‑6, 4‑star recruit who decommitted from Penn State, has already begun to turn heads. Coaches describe him as a physical monster with the maturity and football IQ to potentially start on the offensive line this season. His presence has been felt during the first three days of fall camp, where he has taken reps with the starting unit.
Amari Latimer, a 5‑foot‑10, 230‑pound running back originally committed to Wisconsin, arrives as the third‑highest recruit in WVU’s 2026 class and the 21st‑ranked back nationally. Though he has taken reps with the first‑team offense, he will not start due to Cam Cook’s dominance as last year’s leading rusher. Coaches praise Latimer’s talent, work ethic, and football‑family background, seeing him as a potential three‑down back.
Rick Trickett, Brown’s offensive line coach, brings a proven track record of starting true freshmen, having developed NFL linemen such as Rodney Hudson, Victor Riley and Willie Anderson, as well as Amare Grayson, who started eight games at right guard for Jacksonville State. His endorsement adds weight to the expectation that Brown could see immediate playing time.
Both Rodriguez and Trickett stress that while the physical tools are evident, the freshmen still need to adjust mentally to the faster pace of college football. Early camp observations suggest the class is promising, but continued development will be essential as the season progresses.