Devine & Conquer: Mountaineers’ star running back has been through a lot, continues to beat odds

When Noel Devine first stepped on campus at West Virginia, few thought he would ever receive his degree.

That includes himself.

"I just thought I would be here for three years and be three and out," said the Mountaineers' senior starting running back.

The North Fort Myers, Fla., native, traveled to Morgantown with the pedigree of one of the best high school running backs in history. He was touted as the next Reggie Bush and had a YouTube following like the Cartwheeling Goalie.

This fall, Devine will end a four-year journey that admittedly changed his life.

He's more than just a running back now.

"I would say spiritually, mentally, I'm just overall a better person. It's just part of growing up," he said.

The high school sensation

Those who thought he wouldn't make it didn't take a big risk in thinking so when Devine came out of high school. Devine, a running back sensation even as a high school star, has been through a lot in his 21 years.

His father and mother died before he turned 12, and he witnessed one of his friends dying before he could even think about college.

He also missed two games as a senior because of a confrontation and missed out on a postseason all-star game because of an incident in the locker room.

His grades weren't the best either, and coming out of high school a Division I-A college was nearly ruled out because of his bad academics.

But, when Devine announced his commitment to West Virginia, he stepped on a path to prove those doubters wrong.

"Coming from my family, not too many of them (went to college)," Devine said. "I had a chip on my shoulder because of that and set my goals high."

The college star

Devine made an instant impact in his freshman season in 2007. Behind starter Steve Slaton, Devine rushed for 627 yards and six touchdowns including 136 scintillating yards in a win over Maryland, 118 in a blowout of Connecticut to win the Big East Conference title and 108 yards in place of an injured Slaton in a Fiesta Bowl win over Oklahoma.

Heading into his first year as a starter in 2008, though, Devine made headlines off the field. Devine and three teammates plead no contest to misdemeanor battery charges after an altercation outside a club in February 2008. He was not suspended, though.

The then-sophomore put the charges behind him and doubled his statistics as a first-year starter in 2008.

"College has been great. It gave me an opportunity to grow mentally, physically and spiritually," Devine said.

He finished with 1,289 yards rushing for four touchdowns.

His junior season was even better, rushing for 1,465 yards and 13 touchdowns.

"I think I shut a lot of
people up. I kept them on their toes and kept them guessing," Devine said. "God already has a path laid out for me, I'm just trying to live in it and make the most of it. It's a great feeling knowing that a lot of people look up to me, and I won't let them down."

Devine's position coach Chris Beatty said he's seen him improve in different facets each year.

"Noel is one of those guys that has to get to know you before he can trust you," Beatty said. "He's gotten to where he has trust in us as a staff."

The pro player?

After such success, West Virginia's fifth-leading rusher of all-time had a decision of whether to come back for his final season at WVU and earn his degree or head to the NFL.

In a decision that stunned some, despite being rated as a mid-to-late round selection, Devine decided to come back.

"I don't have any second thoughts. I was happy with the decision I made," Devine said. "I took time to decide with my family and I'm happy with the decision I made."

Now, Devine is ready to make the most of his final year in the Old Gold and Blue.

"It's an honor to be a senior. It's what a lot of guys look forward to. It's a privilege to me. I'm happy that I'm in this position," Devine said. "My goals are set high. Basically, it's to win the Big East and go from there."

It would take a special senior season for Devine to pass WVU's all-time leading rusher Avon Cobourne. In fact, it would take 1,783 yards. But, if Devine stays healthy, it's likely Devine will pass Slaton, Amos Zereoue and Pat White for second on the list.

"Words can't describe it. It's just a feeling that I have. It's a special year," Devine said. "We are excited for this year. We are excited to get our team to the best it can be and give us a great chance to succeed."

The leader

When Devine came to WVU, he was much more worried about setting records and making a name for himself in the NFL.

Now, his goals are for the team – and for others.

In fact, Devine believes it's important to give back to the sport he loves so dearly. For the second time in three years, Devine and some of his friends from high school put on the "239 Future All-Stars Camp" for six through 18-year-olds in late June.

"It brings me pride when I can put a smile on their face. If I can put a smile on their face, they can put a smile on mine just by showing my presence and being there," Devine said.

But it's not just the younger players in Florida that are inspired by Devine. It's also his fellow players on the Mountaineers' roster.

"I've learned so much from him just from being there for one year with him. He just works hard everyday. 100 percent commitment, 100 percent effort everyday," said WVU running back Daquan Hargrett. "He just leaves everything out there in the weight room too. Just go out there and give everything you've got and you will be satisfied."