As fans, we all have players who we deem as our favorite. We will wear their jerseys for years after they are gone, and talk about them even longer. However, as always, there are some players who fly under the radar more than others. Those players who were actually very solid during their time with the team, but somehow have just slipped through the cracks.
Here are the FIVE Mountaineers who deserve more recognition from the fanbase:
- Skyler Howard, QB (2014-2016):
Howard has been talked about by the fanbase in his years since departing the Mountaineers, but never in a good light. The Ft. Worth, Texas native left West Virginia with a 19-9 record as a starter, and also finished top 5 in both passing yards and passing touchdowns, per WVU. He is easily the most underrated player on this list, and the hate that has been given his way certainly isn’t warranted.When fans are talking the best quarterbacks in the program’s history, Skyler Howard must be brought up in every conversation. If you are one of those who completely disregard him because you thought he was “trash,” you either need to do your homework or turn in your fan card. A quarterback who has a bowl win and a ten-win season under his belt sure as hell isn’t “trash.”
- Jock Sanders, WR (2007-2010):
Surprisingly, Jock Sanders is a very forgotten former player for the Mountaineers. During his time in Morgantown, he was one of the most electric players on the field, and could take it to the house on any play. However, his career was somewhat overshadowed by Noel Devine and his time with Pat White. That is probably why he flies under the radar.Though West Virginia has had a slew of fantastic receivers over the course of the last decade, never forget to mention Sanders and his play-making ability. He at least deserves that.
- Tyler Bitancurt, K (2009-2012):
Hear me out, a kicker may seem odd to put on this list, but if any deserves to be it is Tyler Bitancurt. Though his career percentage was only 68.5%, per Sports Reference, Bitancurt had some very important kicks in his career.Take a stroll back all the way to 2009. The Mountaineers were playing the ninth-ranked Pitt Panthers on Black Friday at Milan Puskar Stadium. It was a very tightly-contested game, and it all came down to the leg of Bitancurt. The Virginia native put the Mountaineers over the Panthers, 19-16, with a 43-yard game-winning football as time expired. It was the Backyard Brawl, it was exciting, and it was legendary. For that, Bitancurt makes this list with no debate.
- Chris Henry, WR (2003-2004):
The late Chris Henry is a beloved former wide receiver for the Mountaineers. However, he always seems to be forgotten when when West Virginia receivers are discussed.His two seasons in Morgantown were fantastic, seeing him total nearly 2,000 receiving yards and 22 receiving touchdowns, per Sports Reference. Henry was one of the more productive former Mountaineers in the NFL, and we owe it to his legacy to give him all of the recognition he deserves.
- Julian Miller, DL (2008-2011):
How this man is never brought up is beyond me. In his four seasons in Morgantown, he totaled 27.5 sacks to go along with 42.5 tackles for loss, per Sports Reference. His most memorable game was against Pitt on Senior Day in 2011.Miller sacked Panthers quarterback Tino Sunseri four times, helping the Mountaineers win, 21-20. Any player who has his best game against the school’s arch rival is a legend in my book. C’mon guys, give Miller some love.
