A TD battering ram who might be a WR…

by Bo Marchionte
@bomarchionte | College2Pro.com
Published February 27, 2026, 4:57 PM

When you listen to CJ Donaldson talk about his journey, one thing becomes clear.

He’s never been just one thing.

He didn’t grow up groomed as a running back. Early on, he was a defensive player. Offense didn’t even become a real part of his identity until late middle school. By the time he reached high school, he was lining up at wide receiver as an “athlete,” in the purest sense.

That ‘athlete’ perception might be his calling card to a career in the National Football League. He’ll be showcasing those skills here at the NFL Combine and some big numbers as the case for any prospect could boost his likeability across NFL personnel departments.

At Gulliver Preparatory School, under coach Earl Sims, he played both wide receiver and tight end. That versatility followed him into college. In fact, during his freshman season at West Virginia University in 2022, he was officially listed as TE/RB a reflection of how programs viewed him: not confined to one label.

Then came the moment.

He tells it simply. Coach brought him into the office, “CJ, you want to play football?”

“Yes, sir. I don’t care what I play.”

The request? Move to running back.

Handshake. Walk out. History begins.

At 6’1”, 234 pounds, Donaldson doesn’t look like your traditional third-down scat back. He’s built like a downhill hammer. But that’s where evaluators can miss the nuance. He is adamant, almost emphatic about his receiver background.

“I was a dynamic receiver in high school. I’ve got great hands. I can run every route on the tree.”

That’s not lip service.

Over 45 collegiate games between West Virginia Mountaineers football and Ohio State Buckeyes football, he totaled 47 career receptions. His per-carry production showed contrast 4.9 yards per rush at West Virginia, 3.8 at Ohio State in 2025 but the role evolution is what matters. Usage shifted. Responsibilities shifted. His skill set didn’t disappear.

The production?

42 total touchdowns.

40 rushing.

2 receiving.

But the numbers alone don’t tell the story.

What makes Donaldson intriguing is the blend.

Tight end body

Running back mentality

Wide receiver skill set

A 234-pound back who insists he can run the full route tree is not common. A former receiver who willingly embraced the physical grind of playing inside the tackles. Even less common.

He calls himself a Swiss Army knife.

And when you trace the path defense to receiver, receiver to tight end, tight end to running back it’s hard to argue.

He wasn’t molded into one position. He adapted into all of them.

I’ll be the first to admit he isn’t the finished product. Far from it. I think there is a place for him in the league.

Photo Credit Frank Hyatt/College2Pro.com