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Skinny: Devine is an extremely compact built runner that has great explosion and quick burst to beat opponents in the open field.  While he has a good build, his frame is very slight at 5′7″ and he’s maxed out at only 180 pounds.  There is reason to wonder about not only his durability but his effectiveness with the added weight being an issue.  Has overcome a rough childhood, losing both his parents to AIDS by age 11 but remains extremely focused and motivated to succeed in the NFL.  Devine runs a lot bigger than his size would indicate and he’s a very difficult runner to get a shot on because of his diminutive frame.  Might find a home as a team’s third down back but will be effective if used sparingly.

2010: The undersized scat-back has the lower-body strength to be an effective change-of-pace back and return man at the next level. After the negative publicity surrounding Dez Bryant this past draft, the NFL will be sure to look deep into Devine’s relationship with Deion Sanders, which has been mired in controversy.

Audio Interview -- Player Spotlight (11.12.09) -- LISTEN

SCOUT'S TAKE

Pros: It’s more than just having vision for the electrifying runner. The smallish playmaker combines his ability to assess his running lanes with unique instincts and quickness to change directions without slowing down a bit. Devine’s feet allow him to shift his body weight in such rapid fashion that prevents defenders from anticipating his next move and making it virtually impossible for tacklers to get a firm grip on the explosive Mountaineer. The junior also exhibits natural hands out of the backfield.

Cons: Devine’s less-than-ideal height and 176-pound frame might stand in the his way of ever becoming the type of back that can take on a sizable workload at the next level. He should develop into a Darren Sproles type at the very least, along with offering promise in the return game.

Our View: The comparisons to Barry Sanders are well justified in this case, although Devine won’t be seen making as many great escapes as the former Lion King once did, he also doesn’t spend as much time in the behind the line of scrimmage. In terms of acceleration, the 5’8” human tornado goes from zero to 60 in an eye blink, evoking comparisons to Dallas Cowboy Felix Jones in that department.

NEWS

08/12/10 - Noel Devine could have run all the way to the NFL after a junior season in which he ran for 1,465 yards and 13 touchdowns. “But I never really considered going to the NFL last year,” he says. “I wanted to get my degree and felt that was very important to me. To graduate is a high honor.” Devine had come too far to leave college early. He’d come too far to leave without properly punctuating his WVU career. — Rivals.com

05/01/10 - No. 7 has been lucky for WVU. His 1,465-yard rushing season in 2009 was the fourth-best in Mountaineer history. The 5-foot-8, 180-pound senior has rushed for 3,381 yards (an average of 6.5 per carry) since bursting onto the scene in Morgantown. He needs 1,783 yards (a 148.3 regular season average) to catch Avon Cobourne's 5,164-yard career record. That speaks volumes because West Virginia boasts a fine history of running backs from Cobourne to Steve Slaton and Amos Zereoue back to Kerry Marbury, Artie Owens and others. But back to the original argument. Could Devine be the best in the nation in 2010? It will be tough for the back, but, yes, Devine has an outside shot at the claim. ) - Charleston Gazette

01/01/10 - West Virginia junior running back Noel Devine said he was "not sure yet" with regards to the NFL Draft. Following the Gator Bowl loss to Florida State the speedster went on to say, "If I was an NFL scout I would be able to tell you that."

12/21/09 - Devine has been at West Virginia for three years. After serving as Steve Slaton's apprentice as a true freshman, he has since put together back-to-back seasons of 1,289 and 1,297 yards rushing. Now three years out of high school, he is officially eligible to bail on college and enter the NFL draft. There seems to be a general feeling that that's exactly what he'll do, but Devine said he hasn't submitted his paperwork, either to enter the draft or even to have his draft position analyzed by the NFL. "I haven't done anything,'' Devine said. If the Gator Bowl ends up being a springboard for Devine, it could serve as the same for the Mountaineers as a whole, he said. "That would mean a lot, coming back into next season ranked,'' Devine said. "It's a matter of showing people that we're one of the top programs.'' – Charleston Gazette

10/30/09 - West Virginia head coach Bill Stewart voiced his admiration for star RB Noel Devine. Said Stewart: “He can see. It is about vision. I said the same thing to the NFL about Steve Slaton. I told them to trust me. When you put these guys out seven or eight yards and give him the ball, first of all their visions are identical. Noel is probably quicker, where Steve is faster getting around the edge, but when you give these guys the ball, they just run around them.”

12/30/08 - Noel Devine is magical in the open field – he used a little shake & bake to get by linebacker Quan Sturdivant – he of 87 solo tackles (122 total) – and then powered his way to break free from another would be tackler for an 18-yard touchdown run.

Devine possesses great speed, which allows him turn the corner. He has a low center of gravity when he runs the ball – meaning more than an arm tackle is required to bring down this 5’ 8” dynamo. Once he hits the pile, the sophomore tailback keeps his legs going to pick up extra yards. He’s not your typical “scat-back”. - CFI: Meineke CC Bowl Notes: WVU 31, UNC 30

Photo Credit: WVU Sports Communication