NCAA: Running back Noel Devine staying at WVU

West Virginia University Football Coach Bill Stewart has announced that running back Noel Devine and wide receiver Jock Sanders are returning for their senior years of eligibility.

“On behalf of the Mountaineer football family, we are excited that Noel and Jock will remain as student-athletes here for their senior years with the Old Gold and Blue,” Stewart said. “I have seen these two really mature and grow, not only on the football field, but in their quest of life. Obtaining their degrees and preparing for life after football is of utmost importance to them and to our program.

“I, along with the coaching staff and our fans, anxiously await and look forward to watching these two guys finish their senior years here at West Virginia.”

Devine, 2009 team co-offensive MVP, had his best season as a junior in 2009 as the Ft. Myers, Fla., native was a unanimous first team all-BIG EAST selection. He finished with 1,465 yards, averaged 6.1 yards per carry and had 13 touchdowns. He also finished with 22 catches for 177 yards and a touchdown. Devine was No. 2 in the BIG EAST in rushing, No. 4 in all-purpose yardage and No. 9 in total offense and scoring. Nationally, he was No.17 in rushing yards per game and No. 43 in all-purpose yards.

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.”