West Virginia RB Noel Devine: My Ultimate Goal Is To Earn My Degree

In a day where many NCAA underclassmen decide to go pro in their respective sports for money or fame, West Virginia running back Noel Devine provides a breath of fresh air.

The speedy tailback announced today that he will return for his senior year of college — teammate Jock Sanders will also return.

Devine has had a rough upbringing and being the first member of his family to graduate college is his ultimate goal.

“It’s all about unfinished business on the field and in the classroom,” Devine said. “West Virginia University and my coaches are doing a great job of preparing me for the NFL and for life after football. Each year on the team has been important and each of us has given a little bit more. Now its time for my senior season with my teammates – and I want it to be a special one, so I am going to give even more.

“I want to be the first member of my family to finish with a college degree, and I want to bring back a championship to Morgantown. I really enjoy playing in front of the greatest fans in America, but my ultimate goal is to earn my degree.”

Devine was only three months old when his father died of AIDS and his mother also passed away from the disease when Devine was 11 years old. He also witnessed a childhood friend die from a shotgun blast to the chest at age 15.

The first-team All-Big East selection was a big time player from an early age. His senior year in high school he totaled 2,148 yards and 31 touchdowns. Devine has gone over the 1,200 yard mark in his last two seasons at West Virginia averaging over 6 yards per carry.

It would be easy to see why Devine could be tempted to run to the NFL and have a secure financial status, but he should be applauded for his dedication to education.

When Devine is ready to enter the draft next season, it will be no surprise to see him taken in the first-round — although his size is a question mark that could push him into the second. His explosiveness and determination will draw interest from the pro scouts.

Like his idol Barry Sanders, Devine is one of the most exciting players to watch in football, and you should expect nothing different from him in his 2010 campaign in a Mountaineer uniform.