WVSports.com takes a look back at the four-star running back commits on Rivals.com since 2002. How did they fare in Morgantown and how have the Mountaineers hit at the position when it comes to the top rated?
We examine how it’s turned out and how the Mountaineers have done in the backfield.
Rushing stats at West Virginia: none
Williams was signed by West Virginia but his story would take a tragic turn after he was charged with serious legal issues and never appeared in Morgantown. A very talented prospect that simply never made it onto the field to see how he would have performed.
Rushing stats at West Virginia: 186 yards and 3 touchdowns
Gwaltney was the first five-star recruit to sign with West Virginia in the Rivals.com era and had high expectations entering his career as the all-time leading rusher in Long Island. Appeared in only five career games rushing for 186 yards and 3 touchdowns before leaving the program due to various off the field issues. While he flashed talent at times, it wasn’t meant to be and Gwaltney ended up at Kean University rushing for a school record 1,412 yards in 2010.
Rushing stats at West Virginia: 4,315 yards and 29 touchdowns
Devine entered the program probably as hyped as any player that had come before him out of Florida and he lived up to the expectation finishing his career as the third all-time leading rusher with 4,315 yards and fifth in rushing touchdowns with 29 even with injuries affecting his productivity during his senior season. Captivated with some of the things he was able to do with the football in his hands and truly lived up to the billing as a breakout performer in the backfield.
Rushing stats at West Virginia: none
Failed to qualify which sent him to a prep school for a season. After completing those requirements Kerns enrolled in 2008 only to be flagged by the NCAA and declared ineligible again. That would effectively end his college career at West Virginia before it ever really got off the ground.
Rushing stats at West Virginia: 1,255 yards and 10 touchdowns
Buie saw action during his first season but led the Mountaineers in rushing during the 2012 campaign with 851 yards, his best in Morgantown. He would then leave school during the fall of 2013 before returning the following year where he saw limited action as a complementary piece in the backfield. Left as a graduate transfer to Charlotte.
Rushing stats at West Virginia: 43 yards
Thomas-Williams was a prime target for West Virginia in the 2014 class but was never able to get his career off the ground. After a redshirt season, the North Carolina product appeared in four games rushing for 43 yards and often clashing with the coaches over his work ethic. Thomas-Williams was then suspended for the following spring and subsequently dismissed from the program. He enrolled at a junior college in New York looking to jump start his career.
Rushing stats at West Virginia: 1,823 yards and 14 touchdowns
Brown primarily served as a depth piece in the backfield his first two seasons before breaking out in a big way as a junior. Despite a 10-game shortened season, Brown rushed for 1,010 yards and developed into one of the focal points of the offense for the Mountaineers. Has two seasons of eligibility left if he chooses to use them, but will be returning for the 2021 season as one of the best backs in the Big 12.
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