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.”
