2007 Heisman Watch: Pat White

The Mountaineers dual-threat quarterback is one of the most dangerous offensive players in the nation. Capable of beating defenses with his arm or his legs, White has the ability to make decisions on the fly and capitalize on any weakness opposing defenses may show. The junior signal-caller has led West Virginia to a 15-2 record since taking over as the team’s starting quarterback midway through his redshirt freshman season.

In 2006, White threw for 1,655 yards, 13 touchdowns and seven interceptions, while running for another 1,219 yards and 18 touchdowns. Following the stellar sophomore campaign, White was named Big East Offensive Player of the Year. But, as was the case during his freshman year — when White engineered a shocking Sugar Bowl win over heavily-favored Georgia — he saved his best for last.

Athlon's 2007 Heisman Watch

In the Gator Bowl, White fought through injuries to lead WVU to a 38-35 come-from-behind victory over Georgia Tech. Trailing 35-17 in the third quarter, White threw a 57-yard scoring strike to Tito Gonzales followed by a 14-yard touchdown pass to Brandon Myles. Finally, White scrambled 15 yards to paydirt for the go-ahead touchdown to cap a 21-0 run and a remarkable comeback victory.

Although White’s heroics have been impressive, the Mountaineers have yet to reach their full potential. With White and running back Steve Slaton returning to Morgantown, WVU expects to reach the pinnacle in 2007. Nothing short of another Big East title and a spot in the BCS National Championship Game will be viewed as a success for what should be one of West Virginia’s best teams ever.

West Virginia Team Preview

In order to achieve those lofty goals, however, White must play at a Heisman level. The 21-year-old native of Daphne, Ala., who was drafted by the Anaheim Angels in the fourth round of the 2004 MLB Draft and originally committed to play football at LSU coming out of high school, is in a position to lead WVU to the top of the football mountain.

Why he’ll be holding the hardware: The difference between White and Steve Slaton is that White touches the ball on every snap. His passing improved as the 2006 season progressed and he ranked 16th in the nation in rushing in one of the country’s most high-powered offenses. If West Virginia’s offense continues to put up gaudy numbers and the Mountaineers emerge as a BCS national title contender over fellow Big East rivals South Florida, Rutgers and Louisville, the rest will take care of itself.

Why he’ll be left out: Many will argue that White’s teammate, Slaton, will take valuable votes away from his Heisman Trophy run. That could be the biggest factor when push comes to shove in November. Both of them can’t win. That, along with a potential injury to the skinny (6’2”, 185) scrambler, is a concern.

Final analysis: White should lead WVU on an expedition to the top of the Big East, while simultaneously staking his claim as one of the finalists for this year’s Heisman Trophy. If the Mountaineers are headed to New Orleans for the BCS title game, White will have a legitimate shot to bring at least one piece of hardware back to Morgantown.

2006 Stat Line