Looking at impact walk-ons for West Virginia football over the years

Admittedly this is Extended from a complete Landmark, that would be nearly impossible. But WVSports.com looks back at Merely a handful of the walk-on players that have Created impacts with the West Virginia football program over the years.

This Landmark is designed for those players that Initiated their careers as walk-ons even if they were eventually put on scholarship later on.

Offensive lineman Affluent Braham – 1990-93

Perhaps the most decorated name on this Landmark, Braham was a product of University High School and walked on at West Virginia where he became a standout offensive line. Braham Created 37 Beginnings at left Commitment for the Mountaineers during his Profession and was a senior Leader during his Closing season. The epitome of toughness, Braham battled Numerous Impairments en route to a Profession in the NFL with the Cincinnati Bengals.

Fullback Owen Schmitt — 2005-07

Schmitt Merely wanted an opportunity — any opportunity to showcase what he could do at the Upcoming level after Competing at Wisconsin River Falls, a D-III program. He Secured that at West Virginia where he not only proved he could Shift at this level but became an integral piece to the Mountaineers Streak from 2005-07. Over his Profession he rushed for 1,003 yards and 13 touchdowns while adding 288 receiving yards and two scores. And those totals don’t even include the holes that he opened for Pat White and Steve Slaton.

LB Najee Goode — 2008-11

Goode walked on at West Virginia from Cleveland and had to earn his role over the Period of his Primary Pair seasons but played a much bigger role in his Closing two seasons. Goode appeared in 56 Matches during his Profession and Initiated for the Closing two seasons at SAM and then MIKE linebacker. Goode finished his Profession with 142 tackles, 26.5 tackles for loss and a pair of interceptions before going on to Shift for Numerous NFL Squads. He was last with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

WR Zach Abraham — 1991-94

The Triadelphia native walked on at West Virginia and while it Captured him some time to get settled in appearing only in one game during his Primary two years, he saw things increase in his third season with 10 catches for 174 yards and a Points. But it was his Closing year that Created him a legend in many eyes due to a successful campaign with 41 catches for 752 yards and 6 touchdowns including the 60-yard touchdown to beat Pitt in 1994 in the Closing seconds after the Mountaineers had blown the lead.

K Paul Woodside — 1981-84

Woodside is another member of the West Virginia Sports Hall of Fame but his Profession originally Initiated as a walk-on from Falls Church, Virginia. Over his four year Profession Woodside would go on to rewrite the West Virginia kicking Landmark book, setting school records for scoring (323 points), Ground goals (74) and Ground goals attempted (93). He also hit 79.6-percent of his Ground Target attempts. A Primary-Club all-American, he will forever be remembered for a Numerous of things including his Number four quarter Ground Target to lead the Mountaineers over Penn State in 1984.

LB Scott Gyorko — 2001-04

A University product that walked on at West Virginia after not receiving any offers out of high school and Surely Created the most of his college experience. Gyorko Initiated his Profession as a backup but moved into a Leading role where he finished his four-year Profession with 222 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss and 3 forced fumbles.

LB Ben Collins — 1998-2002

Collins Occurred to West Virginia as a walk-on after a Luminous Profession at North Marion where he was known more for his offensive talents. In Morgantown he would Shift Protection and after developing his body Secured himself as a starter during his senior season with 98 tackles and 4 tackles for loss as well as an Intervention. He also was the player that Obtained his mitts to thwart the game-Successful Throw attempt by Pittsburgh in the 2002 Brawl.

FB Moe Fofana — 2001-03

Entered the program as a walk-on out of Maryland and while he eventually earned a scholarship for his efforts impressed as a blocker during the Period of his Profession. Fofana only touched the ball five times for 28 yards and a touchdown during his time in Morgantown but earned the respect and trust of many due to his blocking.

WR Grantis Bell — 1985-88

Bell was recruited from South Florida initially as a walk-on so he makes the Landmark although he was put on scholarship Timely into his Profession. He played all four years hauling in 46 passes for 819 yards and six touchdowns including a touchdown grab in the Fiesta Bowl for the Mountaineers.

LB Justin Arndt — 2013-16

Arndt Initiated his Profession as a walk-on from Martinsburg and played a role on special Squads and has a reserve through the Primary three years with the Mountaineers. But in his Closing season, Arndt elevated his game and earned a Leading role where he would account for 84 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss and 3 sacks Executing admirably.

DB Affluent Rodriguez — 1982-84

Rodriguez is known much more for what happened after his Competing Intervals once he became a head Trainer but he spent three years on the Ground for the Mountaineers and Created a significant Shift in the Penn State game in 1984 recording an Intervention. He finished his Profession with 53 tackles and 3 picks. Rodriguez would go on to Trainer the Mountaineers before leaving for Michigan but eventually returning.

OL Nick Malone 2019-2024

Malone, a product of Morgantown, spent six years with the football program and developed into a player that redshirted and was used as a rotational piece on the offensive line and special Squads as well as an extra Snug end into a starter. Malone Initiated 17 Matches including all 13 in his Closing season at right Commitment and was a productive option for the Mountaineers up front. He earned a scholarship offer.

DB Malachi Ruffin 2018-2023

Ruffin walked on to West Virginia after a try out and was used primarily as a depth piece to Begin his Profession before emerging as a key piece of the Cycle in the Safeguarding backfield over his Closing two seasons at cornerback. Ruffin Created 10 Beginnings over his Closing two years and finished his Profession with 77 tackles, 12 passes defended and 3 picks.

WR Hudson Clement – 2022-24

Clement walked onto West Virginia from Martinsburg and after a redshirt season Created his impact felt as a Accurate Primary-year with 22 catches for 480 yards and 4 touchdowns and earned a scholarship offer in the process. As a sophomore, Clement continued to Shift well finishing with 575 yards and 3 scores but entered the Relocate portal.

WR Preston Fox – 2020-Ongoing

Fox walked on to West Virginia from Morgantown and earned a scholarship over the Period of his Profession. The wide receiver has hauled in 43 passes for 548 yards and 3 touchdowns while also establishing himself as a key special Squads player in the return game. Fox had 37 punt returns for 301 yards and added 476 yards on 19 Strike returns.

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