Published: August 08, 2008 01:34 am            

Better than ever

White believes he’s improved since last year

MORGANTOWN — West Virginia University quarterback Patrick White enters his final season with a shot at breaking virtually every record still within his reach.

The 6-2, 192-pound senior from Daphne, Ala., said Thursday that he feels like he has improved from over a year ago because he certainly has worked hard to become better and, hopefully, even more productive

He’s a leading candidate for the 2008 Heisman Trophy after finishing sixth in last year’s balloting for college football’s greatest award.

“I’ve had a lot of good coaches teaching me a lot of good things.” White said. “Coach (Jeff) Mullen is certainly one that I appreciate, and I am really glad that he is here (as offensive coordinator). He teaches us a lot of the little things about mechanics, and that’s going to help us in the long run.”

White now is working out in full pads, along with all of the other players, but he said he can’t tell the difference because the coaches don’t permit him to get hit. But it’s fun for him to see others run around banging, and he has noted that defenders are coming toward him faster.

“I’m having fun with it, and definitely having fun with the younger guys,” he said. “This is my last year, and I’m going to try to enjoy every day and every second.”

He noted that the Mountaineers are a fast-paced team and must be able to move swiftly and run around with more motion than in past years. Mullen has modified the offense slightly, but has said it’s still White’s offense.

White is high in his praise of WVU’s defense.

He said, “I think we have the fastest and most athletic defense in the country. The offense now just has to keep the same intensity that they (defenders) do and match them.”

He believes that will make both units better as the Mountaineers try to measure up to their preseason Top 10 national ranking. That would match or exceed the last three year’s finishes.

“Each year we have better and better athletes coming to West Virginia,” White said. “I think we’re definitely on the map now. We’re starting to spread out across the country, and people are starting to figure us out.”

White, whose record at the Mountaineer starting quarterback is 26-4, is considered generally as the nation’s most versatile signal-caller. He already is both the Big East and West Virginia career QB rushing leader with 3,506 yards.

Last season, he rushed 197 times for a net 1,335 yards and 14 touchdowns and completed 144 of 216 passes for 1,724 yards and 14 scores.

        

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