The Times West Virginian

Mickey Furfari

August 25, 2010

FURFARI COLUMN - Devine thinks WVU will make history

By Mickey Furfari For the Times West Virginian

MORGANTOWN — Is the sky the limit for West Virginia University’s 2010 football team?

Noel Devine didn’t put it in those words as fall camp closed, but the star running back certainly left such an impression.

“I want to go out with a bang, and play in as many games as I can,” he said.

“I know for a fact that we are a better team than we were the past two years (when WVU posted 9-4 records).

“The chemistry is better. We’ve bonded together well. There’s more of a family situation. More experience, more talent.”

The 5-foot-8, 180-pound native of Ft. Myers, Fla., is one of the quickest, fastest, most evasive running backs in the nation. He is a Heisman Trophy candidate.

Told that WVU has won 10 or more games in a season only seven times in 118 years of football, Devine responded:

Then we’ll make history this year with an eighth time.”

Devine, who decided to return for his senior year along with fellow Floridian Jock Sanders, said he’s happy that he’s going to earn his degree before the 2011 National Football League Draft.

“I’m ready to leave everything on the field,” the two-time all-Big East selection said. “I know the other guys also will play just as hard. I mean we’ve got to give all we’ve got this year.

“I am impressed with this team.

“We took to the coaching. We care about each other. We take care of each other on the field.” he said.

Devine was a preseason All-America second team selection.

He rushed for 1,463 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2009. He had netted 1,287 yards and three scores as a sophomore. He also returns kickoffs and can catch the ball.

While Devine said there’s great depth behind him this season, Coach Bill Stewart said he must stay as healthy as possible.

Sanders was last year’s leading wide receiver with 72 catches for 688 yards and three TDs.

Sanders also rushed 35 times for 175 yards and one score. He returns punts, too.

Devine has said he believes he’s capable of carrying the ball as many as 35 times a game. But coaches insist that’s not necessary.

He not only has confidence in other running backs, but he singled out freshman Trey Johnson for special praise.

“I am impressed by him,” Devine said. “He has a lot of heart, being such a small back like me. He has a strong, strong heart.

“He can run and he can swerve through tackles. He’s going to be a great running back in the future.

“Trey reminds me of myself when I first came in.”

Text Only
Mickey Furfari
  • FURFARI COLUMN - City council to honor Mountaineers

    It seems fitting that Morgantown City Council has decided to honor West Virginia University’s 2011 champion football team.
    Mayor Jim Manilla will preside at a committee of the whole meeting on Tuesday evening in the council chamber.

    January 30, 2012

  • FURFARI COLUMN - Cronin says Kevin Jones is NBA caliber

    Kevin Jones, the leader of the surprising West Virginia University men’s basketball team, continues to be No. 1 in the Big East in both scoring (20.7 ppg) and rebounding (11.3).

    January 25, 2012

  • FURFARI COLUMN - Admirers will miss Joe Paterno

    I am deeply saddened by the tragic death of Joe Paterno last Sunday at 85 in State College, Pa.

    January 24, 2012

  • FURFARI COLUMN: WVU football captains named for 2011 season

    Coach Dana Holgorsen has announced that a junior and three seniors have been named permanent captains of West Virginia University’s 2011 football squad.
    They are quarterback Geno Smith, offensive tackle Don Barclay, linebacker Najee Goode and cornerback Keith Tandy.

    January 21, 2012

  • FURFARI COLUMN: WVU to receive fourth Lambert Trophy

    West Virginia University’s earth-shattering 70-33 victory over favored Clemson was witnessed by football TV viewers from coast to coast.
    But the fact that the Mountaineers won another Lambert Trophy in the process hasn’t become as well known. That is symbolic of NCAA Division I supremacy in the East.

    January 19, 2012

  • FURFARI COLUMN: Hinds doing ‘great job’ as new WVU point guard

    Coach Bob Huggins thinks freshman Jabarie Hinds has done a great job as a point guard for the West Virginia University men’s basketball team this season.
    The 5-foot-11, 175-pound native of Mount Vernon, N.Y., signed with WVU in November 2010 as a shooting guard.

    January 18, 2012

  • FURFARI COLUMN: WVU’s 43-0 win at Syracuse a Nehlen Favorite

    West Virginia, ranked No. 11 at the time, smashed Syracuse 43-0 in football on Oct. 30, 1993 in upstate New York in what remains the Orange’s biggest beating in this old and at times, bitter, rivalry.
    It has to be one of the most cherished victories in Hall of Famer Don Nehlen’s 21 years as the Mountaineer head coach.

    January 17, 2012

  • FURFARI COLUMN: What is Dunlap going to do?

    Where will veteran Steve Dunlap end up as West Virginia University puts together a new defensive coaching staff?
    That is, if he decides to return to his alma mater through the 2012 football season as stated in his contract.

    January 16, 2012

  • FURFARI COLUMN - Cignetti not surprised by Saban’s success

    Frank Cignetti, head coach at West Virginia University from 1976-79, has been a longtime admirer of Nick Saban’s football coaching ability.
    He gave the Marion County native one of his first jobs, as coach of the Mountaineers’ defensive secondary in 1978-79.

    January 11, 2012

  • FURFARI COLUMN - Austin’s return is great news for WVU

    I know a guy who couldn’t be happier that Tavon Austin has decided to return for his senior year of West Virginia University football.

    January 10, 2012

Featured Ads
House Ads