Going back to 2015, Wendell Smallwood was the leader not only for the Mountaineers in rushing, but the entire Big 12. After piling up 1,519 yards and nine touchdowns, the junior opted for the NFL and was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles.
Rushel Shell expected to assume the load in Smallwood’s absence, but it was Justin Crawford who emerged. After being the top junior college running back in the country, Crawford chose the Mountaineers and racked up 101 yards in the season opener. It was quite the debut to Mountaineer Nation.
Crawford eclipsed 100 yards four more times in 2016, including a monstrous 331-yard effort against Oklahoma and 209 yards against Baylor.