Sunday, January 13th, 2008 by Adam Wagner
Steve Slaton chooses the NFL Draft over Bill Stewart
Pitt’s competition in the Big East next season just took a major hit and made Pitt’s potential road to the title much easier, as Steve Slaton declared for the NFL Draft, forgoing his senior year at West Virginia University.
Slaton, who said that the NFL has him assessed as a second round talent, is a speedy back who has questions concerning strength. He set the record for yardage by a WVU running back in the 2006 season, rushing for 1,733 yards and dominating competition. He took a step back this season, rushing for “only” 1,051 yards and being a nonfactor in the Backyard Brawl as well as the Fiesta Bowl.
The main question concerning Slaton is probably whether or not he can adjust to the feature back role, as he shared carries with Patrick White during his time at WVU and, last season, with Noel Devine. If Slaton proves capable of handling that role, he could be an excellent pro running back. If not, he will probably be a Michael Bennett type.
As for WVU, the running back position is left in good shape for the next two years, as Noel Devine is undoubtedly one of the three best running backs from last year’s freshman class (along with Pitt’s LeSean McCoy and Georgia’s Knowshon Moreno). Devine is the type of elite talent that can simply stick a team on his back and prove to be the difference, just as Slaton was in his first two seasons at WVU. Also, the Mountaineers retained Patrick White for his senior season, thereby ensuring that the threat of the running quarterback legitimately remains.
They will probably avoid taking a step back due to the presences of Devine and White, but without a proven running back like Steve Slaton, unnecessary questions are likely to be asked whenever the slightest mistake is made (or when Devine fumbles). As long as Devine manages to leave his mentor’s car in the parking lot, WVU should be just fine.
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