He could have been a Terrapin.
Steve Slaton was recruited by Maryland in high school, but tonight, the Pennsylvania native will carry the ball for West Virginia.
After rushing for 195 yards and two scores against the Terps last year, the junior has no hard feelings for Maryland and Coach Ralph Friedgen.
“I?m in the best place I can be now,” Slaton said. “Everything worked out for the best.”
For Slaton: yes.
For Maryland: “best” may not be the right word.
“I?m really hoping he comes out [for the NFL Draft] early,” Friedgen said with a smile. “He?s had a great career, he?s a great kid, and I?m happy for him. I just don?t want to be happy for him Thursday night.”
Slaton, who can run 40 yards in 4.3 seconds, teams with junior quarterback Pat White to power an offense that has scored 110 points in two games, including 42 during the second half in a 48-23 victory over Marshall last week.
Maryland senior defensive lineman Dre Moore said he sees a tendency in the Mountaineers to find openings for cut-backs on running plays. Moore said it is imperative the Terrapins do not “over-pursue the ball,” since Slaton and White can outrun defenders in the open field.
Through two games, Slaton is averaging 127.5 yards rushing, and White is averaging 111.
“They have two Heisman Trophy candidates,” Moore said, “so to go out and win or contain them on offense, would be a big feather in our cap.”
Friedgen has been working non-stop since returning from Saturday?s victory at Florida International to concoct a formula to contain the Mountaineers? dynamic duo.
“I don?t like to play against those types of teams. They?re usually pretty good,” Friedgen said with a laugh. “And both of those guys are deserving. They?re excellent football players.”
