Another Mountaineer leaving WVU

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The offensive exodus continues at West Virginia. First, spread-offense Dali Lama Rich Rodriguez and his staff trundled off to Michigan. Then fullback Owen Schmitt completed his eligibility. Next, receiver Darius Reynaud declared last week he was opting for the NFL. Yesterday, the Mountaineers officially lost their most decorated tailback in school history when Steve Slaton announced that he has decided to skip his senior season and enter April's draft as well. And they also lost their leading candidate for offensive coordinator yesterday when Charlie Taafe stated he was staying in the Canadian Football League.

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Steve Slaton , AP Steve Slaton , AP
January 14, 2008  08:35 AM ET

Me thinks the 'eers jumped the gun a bit in hiring stewart so quickly. It's one thing to coach for one game, but can he rebuild the program?

January 14, 2008  08:44 AM ET

Slayton is leaving because there is nothing left for him in college (I do not expect WV to win a National title next year) and he does not want to sustain any more injuries, which could hurt his NFL status. Plus, Devine appears to be ready to play and Pat White is staying; I don't think the offense will drop off too much.

January 14, 2008  08:48 AM ET

Stewart might be a great guy, but the hate spewed by the WVU fans and the university @Rodrigues departure speaks volumes for the heart of the atmosphere at WVU.


If there is a dropoff at WVU, don't blame the coach, blame the fans and the University culture.

January 14, 2008  08:49 AM ET

Golffan:

Are YOU to blame?

January 14, 2008  08:59 AM ET

Slaton had to leave but I'm not so sure how good of an NFL back he can be. With his speed, he needs to be out in the perimeter.

Also, I hope he's a good pass catcher.

January 14, 2008  09:04 AM ET

Sadly I believe this is the beginning of the end for WVU. It took them so long to gain respect and now they will return to being just another lower tier college football program.

January 14, 2008  09:11 AM ET

The days of powerhouse programs staying around for decades has past....coaches move....players want to start their first year so they go where they can....if you get 5 good years you've done something

January 14, 2008  09:17 AM ET

Yeah I just read where Xavier Lee is leaving my beloved Noles due to frustration and will turn his attentions to the NFL combines. I know I am in the minority and I will be raked over the coals, but I believe that his talents were not utilized properly at FSU and in the right system he can become a pretty effective NFL prospect. Okay I'm ready for the onslaught...go ahead I can take it.

January 14, 2008  09:23 AM ET

Damn everyone seems to be writing off WVU so quickly. Just like most people wrote them off in the Fiesta Bowl a few weeks ago. There recruiting should be that bad now that they have hired Doc Holiday one of the best recruiters in college football.

January 14, 2008  09:30 AM ET

Nolesdabomb, i would have to agree with you on Lee, and maybe there are a couple of other players that are not being develop or utilize properly

January 14, 2008  09:30 AM ET

In other news, West Virgina just scored again.

January 14, 2008  09:31 AM ET

This is the end, beautiful friend. This is the end, my only friend, the end. Of our elaborate plan, the end.

January 14, 2008  09:39 AM ET

going the doors route on monday morning....nice

January 14, 2008  09:39 AM ET

Nolesdabomb, i would have to agree with you on Lee, and maybe there are a couple of other players that are not being develop or utilize properly
TheJuice | 01/14/08
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We have to look no farther than Anquan Boldin or Javon Walker. They were severely underdeveloped at FSU and look at them now. All I'm saying is Lee has a chance.

January 14, 2008  10:06 AM ET

I don't think they will drop off too much. White, the heart of their offense, and the speedy Devine will return. In '05, their only two playmakers were White and Slaton, and they only had one loss that year. They play in the Big East; which is a good conference but it's not the SEC or Pac 10 by any means after USF, Louisville, and Rutgers fell from grace.

January 14, 2008  10:32 AM ET

Someone needs to see what Irish#1 REALLY has in his coffee mug

January 14, 2008  11:26 AM ET

Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds???????????

January 14, 2008  11:36 AM ET

Spirit in the Sky?

January 14, 2008  01:59 PM ET

Cocaine by Clapton???

 
January 14, 2008  02:59 PM ET

Yes, everyone so quick to write WV off, again. It's all good.

Golffan, you can't pay attention to only what the media writes. I'm living proof right here in WV that the fans are 110% behind the new coach and the University.

It's hard to say good-bye to Slaton but he is going on his own terms. Personally, I think after the 'down' year he had there's been some credibility lost. I think his Senior year he could have gained some of that 'clout' back, he would have had a chance to, quite possibally play for a National Championship or another BCS Bowl, he might not have had the stiff competition at RB in the draft like he has this year and last but not least, yet most important. He would have earned his degree.

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