Published: April 19, 2008 12:36 am      

Poitier pushing for key role in backfield

MORGANTOWN — Mike Poitier admittedly is pushing for the No. 2 running back spot in West Virginia University’s spring football practice.

The 5-8, 165-pound junior from Opa Locka, Fla., was a workhorse in last Saturday’s officiated scrimmage. According to unofficial statistics, he rushed 15 times for a net 119 yards.

Sophomore Noel Devine, heir apparent to the starting job vacated by All-America tailback Steve Slaton, carried only eight times for a net 32 yards.

“We didn’t give him much work because we know what he can do,” coach Bill Stewart explained.

Poitier was listed as a wide receiver previously, but was switched to tailback last year. He has spent most of his time with the scout team, for which he was named Danny Van Etten Award winner in 2005 (offense) and 2006 (special teams).

Asked why he has taken him so long to make a splash, he replied:

“Everybody has to wait for an opportunity, and I guess this is my opportunity to earn playing time. I’ve been very patient. Now I’m trying to take advantage of my opportunity.”

He said he was just out on the field doing what he was told to do last Saturday. He added that he’s more comfortable and more confident in the offense which Jeff Mullen, the new coordinator, fashioned for 2008.

“All of the running backs help each other,” Poitier noted. “We try to avoid making mistakes. When I make one, I try to correct it.”

Poitier actually is listed as No. 2 behind Devine in the spring media guide. But reporters were told before the first practice not to put too much reliance on the pre-practice projections.

“I just came out here everyday and worked hard,” he said. “Whether I’m No. 2 is up to the coaches. I just want to do all I can to help this team.

“It took time to learn the new offensive schemes. But I’m very comfortable in those now. I think I’m getting better and better each day. So I’m all right.”

Poitier agrees that the offensive line has been misfiring without three starters who are rehabbing after off-season operations.

“But those guys up front are working hard, and I think the line should be all right when everybody gets back,” he said.

He was a two-time all-county selection at St. Thomas Aquinas High for Coach George Smith. He’s majoring in business and economics at WVU and is a member of the Athletic Director’s Honor Roll.