De’Carlo “CJ” Donaldson Jr. is a renowned American football player born on July 9, 2004. He is recognized for his dual roles as a running back and tight end for the West Virginia Mountaineers. Donaldson’s journey in football can be traced back to his childhood in the vibrant city of Miami, Florida.

Growing up in the heart of the Sunshine State, Donaldson’s passion for football took off during his time at Gulliver Preparatory School. Here, he played as a wide receiver on the school’s football team, demonstrating an uncanny ability to perform at a high level. His breakthrough season came in his senior year at Gulliver, where he caught an impressive 81 passes for a total of 1,164 yards, along with 13 touchdowns. These remarkable statistics attracted the attention of college scouts, landing Donaldson a three-star recruit rating.

Initially, Donaldson committed to Tulane, ready to take his football abilities to the collegiate level. However, after careful consideration, he de-committed, choosing to sign with West Virginia instead. This monumental decision came despite receiving robust offers from top-tier schools including the likes of Florida, Florida State, Miami, South Carolina, Louisville, Indiana, and even Syracuse. This choice would mark a major turning point in Donaldson’s football career, placing him squarely on the national radar.

Once at West Virginia, Donaldson’s talents were quickly recognized. The Mountaineer’s coaching staff had initially recruited him to play in the tight end position. However, during preseason training camp, they recognized his aptitude at running back and decided to make the switch. It was a decision that would end up paying great dividends.

Before he even began his first official season with the Mountaineers, Donaldson was named as the team’s starting running back. In the ensuing games, he lived up to the expectations attached to this role and quickly emerged as a freshman sensation on the team. One of his stand-out performances came on week 1, which earned him the coveted title of the Big 12 Conference Newcomer of the Week. On this defining week, Donaldson rushed for an impressive 125 yards and tackled one touchdown within a span of seven carries. This tremendous feat was rounded off with a stalwart performance on special teams, blocking a kick in a frenetic 38-31 loss against Pittsburgh.

Donaldson’s promising career trajectory underscores his immense contributions as a running back. His blend of skills coupled with his relentless drive for success has enabled him to cement his place as a crucial player for the West Virginia Mountaineers. Despite being a young player in the American football world, Donaldson’s achievements to date only hint at the greater success that will come as he continues to grow and evolve as a player.