WATCH: CJ Donaldson blocks punt, scores touchdown to give WVU lead

Even though West Virginia started the second half on offense, they found a way to start off with an electric series of plays.

Pittsburgh went a quick three and out, trotting their punt team onto the field. As any head coach will tell you, all three phases of the game matter. The Mountaineers took that to heart, blocking the Panthers’ punt and putting themselves inside the five-yard line. CJ Donaldson made the play and even set himself up for success.

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On the first play of the drive, Donaldson ran the ball right up the middle for the score. If there was ever a way to get a helmet sticker in the film room come Monday morning, it’s by blocking a punt and then punching it in for a touchdown yourself.

West Virginia took an early second-half lead, 17-10, over Pittsburgh.

You can watch the full two moments here.

BLOCKED PUNT 🚫@WVUFootball scored on the next play! pic.twitter.com/hclotgWZMj

— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) September 2, 2022

WEST VIRGINIA TOUCHDOWN!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/EC2PMLff1q

— Mr Matthew CFB (@MrMatthewCFB) September 2, 2022

While it might be a Pittsburgh home game, there is still a good amount of West Virginia fans in attendance. The crowd was going crazy for the true freshman, who is making himself known early in his career.

CJ Donaldson impressing early into WVU career

Donaldson is just a true freshman, with that most likely being the reason he is out on the field during special teams’ plays. Coming out of high school, he was listed as a tight end thanks to his 6’2, 215-pound frame. Now, he is making plays all over the field for West Virginia.

Just a three-star prospect, Donaldson was the No. 115 player from the state of Florida. Only one other Power Five program offered, with the in-state Florida State Seminoles doing so. Early on, it’s seemingly a great find by head coach Neal Brown.