FAIRMONT —
Sam Huff, a 13-year standout in the NFL (1956-69) and arguably the best defensive lineman to come out of West Virginia University, had a career that ranks as one of the best of all time.
Huff began his playing days in the coal-mining town of Farmington, where he honed the skills of being a powerhouse offensive lineman and a force on the defensive line.
In high school, he terrorized opponents, leading his team to an undefeated season during his junior year.
“They just couldn’t block him,” said Mike Arcure, former manager of Huff’s high school football teams. “He was so fast and quick and big and strong and determined, whatever you want to call it. He had a passion for the game once he got started playing. And he just kept getting better and better.”
Dominating in high school, Huff went on to play for the West Virginia Mountaineers. While at WVU, he played angry and with attitude.
“It was the only team to play for then,” Huff said. “There wasn’t a Fairmont State College then. There was one school and that was West Virginia University. When you’re a kid, WVU was on the radio and when I was a kid, when West Virginia was on the radio, we didn’t miss any games. We were there sitting in the living room listening to every bit of the game. It’s a great part of West Virginia. It’s in your blood.
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Sam Huff.jpg PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY TED SAWYER
Ferocious legend
Sam Huff one of best athletes in WVU history
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