Thursday, June 30, 2011

Talkin' 'Bout My Generation

I'm a early to mid-2000 Mountaineer...a good time to be in the house. It was the return of the Golden Years, with much credit having to go to Rich Rodriguez. Here is my list of the best from my generation.

QB: Pat White (2005-2009): This is pretty much a runaway. The other choices were Brad Lewis (Mr. Concrete), Rasheed Marshall(easily 2nd place), Charles Hales(actually could have started), and Adam Bednarik(he did decapitate a Wofford Strong Safety). White ended up breaking numerous records, and was 4-0 in bowl games, which included the Sugar and Fiesta. He probably will cure all disease at some point too.
Favorite Play: The block he dropped on some poor Husky to release Steve Slaton.

RB: Avon Cobourne (1999-2002): Tough call. There are many solid options here. Could go Steve Slaton, Quincy Wilson, KayJay Harris, Cooper Rego...well, maybe not Cooper. But, Avon gets the call for the total package. He was the model of efficiency, and durability. He went over a 1,000 yards in each season, and was second in career touchdowns. And he never got fat like Slaton.
Favorite Play: Breaking the rushing record against ECU in his senior year.

FB: Owen Schmitt (2005-2007): Dude was a freaking legend, smashing his head open after a terrible punt and breaking facemasks left and right. Also had some speed and skill. Had more clutch runs than most may remember.
Favorite Play: Runaway Beer Truck?

WR: Chris Henry (2003-2004): Probably the best receiver to ever wear the colors. He is in the Top-10 of nearly every receiving category, and only played two years. Best hands I have ever seen. The ultimate what-could-have-been guy. May have been one of the best ever if he could have ever figured it out.
Favorite Play: The catch to finally break the Maryland Spell

TE: Josh Bailey (2002-2005): Yeah, I know this is weak. Dude had 11 career receptions. We never really used a TE.
Favorite Play: Laughing at his malaise in Bio Lab.

C: Dan Mozes (2003-2006): Moved to center and never missed a beat. Rimington Award Winner and Consensus All-American as a Senior. Sadly, injuries and a lack of ideal size and speed kept him out of the NFL.
Favorite Play: When I hugged his parents after Chris Henry scored a TD in the Carrier Dome in 2003.

OT: Lance Nimmo (2000-2003): Very solid tackle for the Mountaineers. Rarely made a mistake, and transitioned well into a spread blocking scheme.
Favorite Play: When he blocked some guy.

OG: Greg Isdaner (2005-2008): Former walk-on turned starter. Only recruited by Georgetown. Award-winner every season he played.
Favorite Play: Surviving the "tent incident" at Cowboys' training camp

DT: Keilen Dykes (2003-2007): Numbers mean nothing for the fat man in the middle, though Dykes could play any position. Known for harassing QB's, Dykes ended with respectable numbers, and helped guide his team to a Fiesta Bowl win.
Favorite Play: Pick-six to the House in the Carrier Dome.

DE: Ernest Hunter (2002-2005): Big Ern was solid against the run, and actually did fairly well to get to the QB in a 3-3-5. He absolutely owned smaller tackles, especially ones from ECU. His career totals vs ECU are a thing of legend, including an interception.
Favorite Play: Shaking his hand and feeling like my arm was going to break in two.

MLB: Grant Wiley (2000-2003): Consensus All-American, and certifiable badass. Almost 500 tackles in four years, including 298 solo. The dude was all over the field at all times. And now models for a living...which makes him even more awesome.
Favorite Play: "The Stand" against Virginia Tech

OLB: James "Dirty" Davis(1998-2002): He gets this mostly on his name. His versatility helps too. He did it all....sacks, blocked kicks, forced fumbles, numerous TFL. Fun player to watch.
Favorite Play: Two blocked kicks on Senior Day vs Boston College

CB: Adam "Pac-Man" Jones (2002-2004): Who doesn't love the Pac? The undersized DB had more swagger than anyone I have ever seen. His abuse of tight ends and big wide receivers is what got him drafted Top-10. Also a world-class return man.
Favorite Play: Abusing Kellen Winslow on this pick.

S: Eric Wicks (2004-2007): Outstanding all-around safety for the Mounties. Great against the run, solid blitzer, and a bit of a ballhawk. He finished his career with double-digit sacks, and double-digit pass breakups. He was also a very good leader.
Favorite Play: The tackle to seal the deal against Louisville in OT.

K/P: Pat McAffee (2005-2008): Yeah, I know he missed those kicks against Pitt, but who else you going to put here, Brad Cooper? He sucked. Plus, McAfee was a damn good punter, and did nail some big FG's.
Favorite Play: 52-yard FG to force OT against Cincinnati



3 comments:

  1. Cobourne was great, and he has the school record, I get it. But Slaton's impact during our time in Motown was tough to beat. For the highlight reel, don't forget Quincy getting his "truck-stick" on that linebacker from the U.

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  2. I'll have to sit down sometime and come up with a list from my generation- mid to late 80s. There's some dandies in there, it'll be tough to narrow it down.

    Mountaineer Golfer

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  3. Even better from Q was when he ran over Brandon Merriweather.

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