Up Close With The Pittsburgh Sports Report
West Virginia Quarterback Patrick White

Patrick White has a big task at hand entering the 2008 football season: Leading West Virginia's high-powered offense under a new coaching regime and without Steve Slaton behind him. White and the rest of the Mountaineers will look to get back into the BCS title picture again this season. White, who already holds the Big East career record for rushing yards by a quarterback, will arguably be the most versatile quarterback in the nation this season along with Tim Tebow of Florida. Not only has the WVU signal-caller been praised for his on-field achievements, but also what he does off the field. The unquestioned leader of the Mountaineers, White will most likely be a top five candidate for the Davey O'Brien Award and the Heisman Trophy. His actions have spoken louder than words for the last three seasons at West Virginia, as he's led them to bowl victories the past three seasons, two of which were in BCS games. When White finishes his career at West Virginia, he will likely go down as the best quarterback to come through Morgantown. The jaw-dropping plays that White has made over his career will speak volumes for years to come. He recently talked with PSR's Adam Ripple about life at West Virginia.

PSR: What must you do to have similar numbers to last season?

White: It will take successful play calling vs. an unsuccessful defense, execution by our offense and I guess a little luck.

PSR: Talk about the loss of Steve Slaton.

White: He was definitely big part of our offensive; we had a lot of plays for him, he did a lot of good things for us, had a lot of success and helped us to three straight bowl wins. We definitely have somebody steeping in behind him (Noel Devine) that is a great athlete and will do a great job for us. He (Steve Slaton) was definitely a good friend, we had a lot of fun, but he had to go onto the next level. I'm glad he did. I hope he has a lot of success. Personally, I'm losing a roommate and a good friend.

PSR: You are a 2008 Preseason All-American. What does the honor mean to you?

White: It's definitely a great honor. There have been a lot of great athletes and big names that have received the award and went on to be successful at the next level. I just hope I can be one of those guys.

PSR: What will it take to get back to a BCS bowl game in 2008?

White: Wins. We must do the same thing we did last year. Be successful on and off the field. No distractions.

PSR: You and your teammates have gong through an overhaul on the offensive coaching staff. How has that coaching transition been at WVU?

White: I like it, I have no complaints. Both staffs were excellent. The staff we have in now is definitely talented, a lot of smart coaches from all around. They can definitely come together and jell. And I'm pretty sure we're going to be very successful.

PSR: What makes you so tough, mentally and physically?

White: My upbringing, my parents. I'm pretty sure there were a lot of days they didn't want to get up and go, but they did, and I saw that growing up as a kid.

PSR: What is one thing you must improve this season?

White: I can improve in all aspects, but I can always become a better leader.

PSR: Did coach Rodriguez quit on WVU after the loss to Pitt?

White: (long pause)…You can call coach Stewart and ask him that question. I'm tired of talking about it.

PSR: What has been the best lesson you learned at WVU, that you would tell young athletes?

White: It's here today and can be gone tomorrow, so enjoy it while you can.

o  Born: Feb. 25, 1986, in Daphne, AL
o  Nickname: The Chief
o  In 2004 White was drafted in the fourth round of the MLB Draft by the Los Angeles Angels. In 2008 he was once again drafted by the Cincinnati Reds.
o  In 2007, White had 28 total touchdowns while passing for over 1,700 yards and rushing for over 1,400.
o  3-0 as a starter in bowl games; 28-4 overall as a starter at West Virginia
o  Awards include: Freshman All-American (2005), Big East Offensive Player of the Year (2007), Gator Bowl MVP (2007) and Fiesta Bowl MVP (2008).
o  White ranks first at WVU in total touchdowns scored (74).
o  His 247 rushing yards against Syracuse in 2006 are a Big East record for a quarterback.
o  White is first in completion percentage in school history (63.2%).
o  One of only eight players in NCAA history to rush and pass for more than 200 yards in a game (Pitt 2006: 220 rushing and 204 passing)
o  Currently holds the Big East and West Virginia University career rushing yardage record for a quarterback with 2,171 yards after only 20 starts.
o  White is the current active leading rusher of any player in any position in the NCAA.