Patrick White, WVU Quarterback, Alabama Native, Heisman Candidate

Patrick White Eyes Heisman with Win over Auburn
for Heisman Hopefuls

Patrick "The Cheif" White, West Virginia's senior quarterback, is one of the leading candidates for this year's Heisman Trophy. He finished fourth in Heisman balloting last year, later earning the Fiesta Bowl MVP, and being named a Playboy All-American.

There is no denying that the October 23rd home game versus Auburn will be a turning point for both teams. Both are currently in the AP Top 10, and the out-of-conference game is a big exclamation mark and make-or-break game for both's hopes for a National Title.

White, a native and hometown hero in Daphne, Alabama, was recruited by Auburn among many other schools closer to his home. A notoriously run-first, spread option quarterback, this year White is expected to carry a lot more of the load on his arm as opposed to his legs. Rich Rodriquez and his run-happy offense are now gone, and the new offensive system is likely to feature an amped up passing game. Steve Slaton and White combined together for more yardage as a duo than any other duo in college football history, edging out Reggie Bush and Lendale White, in addition to the more recent Darren McFadden and Felix Jones combo.

Bill Steward is on record stating that he is going to go to much greater lengths to promote White for the Heisman Trophy than Rich Rodriquez and his regime did. "Patrick White is the greatest winner in college football today," first-year WVU coach Bill Stewart said following the team's first practice of the fall season. "I don't care what the sport is. He'll find a way to beat you."

In 37 career games, White has rushed for 3,356 yards -- just 933 short of the NCAA Division-I record for a quarterback held by Missouri's Brad Smith (2002-05). He has also passed for 4,207 career yards.