Why Cam Cook Will Thrive at WVU as Rich Rodriguez’s Feature Back

The Rodriguez offense is fast-paced and gives the running backs plenty of touches each game. Rodriguez is hoping that Cook and transfer QB Michael Hawkins Jr. can be this era’s version of Pat White and Steve Slaton. White and Slaton are the gold standard of quarterback-running back tandems that Rodriguez looks for.

WVU’s new offensive line coach, Rick Trickett, was at Jacksonville State in 2025. When meeting with the media on March 30, Cook mentioned his relationship with Trickett brought him to WVU.

“I will say that I seen that my old O Line coach, Coach Trickett, I wouldn’t say transferred, but came here,” Cook said. “And I had a real good relationship with him.”

Getting Cook to WVU is a major win for Rodriguez, as it gives the Mountaineers a legitimate rushing threat. The leading rusher for WVU in 2025 was redshirt freshman Diore Hubbard with 335 yards. Hubbard was the only back to eclipse the 300-yard mark, unheard of in a RichRod offense. Hubbard transferred to Wyoming after the 2025 season.

Cook at TCU

Cook began his career at TCU, spending the 2023 and 2024 seasons with the Horned Frogs. In 2024, Cook began the season as TCU’s feature back. During the first six games, he rushed 87 times for 336 yards and six TDs. Cook also displayed his talents in the passing game, logging 12 catches for 44 yards.

However, Cook’s role diminished over the final six games, getting only 32 carries for 123 yards and three TDs. The drop in carries and TCU switching to a multiple-back offense led to Cook entering the transfer portal. With TCU’s pass-heavy offense, Cook needed to find a better fit offensively.

Cook at Jacksonville State

Searching for an offensive system that would utilize his skills as well as develop him as a running back, Cook landed at Jacksonville State in 2025. The Gamecocks were replacing their head coach after Rich Rodriguez left Jacksonville State for his second stint as head coach at WVU. The chance to play for new offensive coordinator Clint Trickett, known for his fast-paced, run-heavy offense, appealed to Cook.

Cook had a breakout season under Trickett in the Jacksonville State offense. Along with leading the FBS in rushing yards, Cook tied for sixth in rushing TDs with 16 and second in all-purpose yards per game with 149.6. A hidden gem for Cook in 2025 was his ball security, as he rushed the ball 295 times and only had one fumble.

What WVU is Getting

Statistically, Cook is an upgrade for WVU’s running back room. His 1,659 rushing yards and 16 rushing TDs were 268 yards and six TDs shy of WVU’s team totals from 2025. Rodriguez and the Mountaineers are getting a back who can beat you with speed or power.

This spring, Cook became the leader in the WVU running back room, a role that he has embraced. Being able to bring along the younger backs has shown Rodriguez and the WVU staff that Cook has the leadership abilities needed to lead the Mountaineers’ offense. Getting a solid season out of Cook might not get WVU to the top of the Big 12 Conference standings. But it will push WVU back to bowl eligibility.