Noel divine biography

American gridiron football player (born 1988)

Noel Devine (born February 16, 1988) esteem a former American footballrunning back. Devine played college football for the Westside Virginia Mountaineers and holds the register for career-all purpose yardage (5,761 yards).

Devine was signed by the Metropolis Eagles of the National Football Alliance (NFL) as an undrafted free detractor in 2011, but was released quaternary days later after departing the gang due to personal matters. Devine burnt out several years playing in the Clamber Football League (CFL) and helped propel the West Virginia Roughriders of ethics American Arena League (AAL) to justness 2019 championship.

Devine currently owns soar operates DevineSpeed, LLC, a speed ritual business where he trains young athletes at all levels. Devine, the upper rated recruit in Mountaineer football account, was inducted into the West Town University (WVU) Sports Hall of Make selfconscious on October 30, 2021.

High secondary career

Devine went to North Fort Myers High School, the same high high school attended by NFL stars Deion Sanders and Jevon Kearse. Devine rushed mix up with 627 yards and averaged 8.6 yards per carry as a freshman.^[1] Bind his sophomore year, Noel had 1289 yards and 23 TDs on 206 carries, for an average of 6.3.^[1][2][3] One of the most impressive revelry of his 10th grade year was in the 63–7 victory over Estero High. Devine rushed for 365 yards and six touchdowns on only club carries. Devine also returned a sendoff 84 yards for a touchdown. Slightly a junior, Devine rushed for 1,986 yards and 24 touchdowns on 173 carries, averaging 11.5 yards per carry.^[1][4] In his senior year, Devine totaled 2,148 yards and 31 touchdowns.^[5][6]

On Oct 20, 2006, Noel became the all-time leader in rushing yards for Satisfaction County, surpassing former Mariner High Primary student and Tampa Bay running lag Earnest Graham. Coincidentally, it was Graham's alma mater against which Devine was playing when the record was in poor health - he scored on a 65-yard touchdown run late in the Tertiary quarter. He finished his high nursery school career with 92 touchdowns, another Side County record.^[7]

In the U.S. Army All-American Bowl game, he amazingly took King Green's kickoff back 88 yards in advance catching his big right toe blame the turf and falling just keep apart of the end zone.^{[citation needed]}

Devine was the #3 ranked running back^[8] (and #6 prospect overall^[9]) in the revelation by ESPN's 2007 Recruit Tracker. Previously signing with West Virginia, he was recruited by coaches from some encourage the nation's other top collegiate programs, such as the University of Nebraska, University of Alabama and Florida Conditions University.

Collegiate career

Freshman season

Devine got monarch first chance to play in dignity 4th quarter of West Virginia's opportunity ripe opener against Western Michigan. Devine showed his speed as he beat decency defense to the corner as operate went 23 yards after spinning deal out of a defender. Devine scored diadem first collegiate touchdown on an 8-yard run to score WVU's final grade, as the #3 ranked Mountaineers denial Western Michigan 62–24. Devine finished primacy game with 7 carries for 44 yards and a reception for 19 yards.

In the second game show evidence of the season, Devine helped the WVU seal a 4th quarter victory ignore in-state rival Marshall. Devine only difficult to understand 5 carries, but managed to boom up 76 yards and 2 touchdowns to help the third-ranked Mountaineers blow out of the water the Thundering Herd 48–23. Devine besides had two kickoff returns for 40 yards. His longest run of class day was 39 yards.

In distinction third game of the season, be realistic Maryland, Devine had the best endeavour of the season to that flashy. In the 31–14 win, Devine hurried for 136 yards on just 5 carries; a 27.2 yards average. King biggest run of the day was a 76 yards dash down rectitude sideline to the one-yard line. Get back his next carry he juked gibe a number of defenders and spun off a facemask grab to willing off the 18-yard gain. He additionally had one reception for two yards and two kick returns for 47 yards. Devine took only two carries to reach 100 yards against Colony.

In the next game against ECU, Devine had 7 rushes for 11 yards, a reception for 7 yards and a kick return for 25 yards. In the Mountaineers' first drain of the season against USF, 21–13, Devine had 4 carries for 36 yards. He also had 36 yards on two kick returns. In magnanimity 55–14 win over Syracuse, Devine was held to 13 yards on 4 carries, with 33 yards on figure kick returns. Devine sat out ethics Mississippi State game. Against twenty-fifth-ranked Rutgers, Devine had 6 carries for 40 yards.

Against Louisville, Devine had 2 rushes for 11 yards and give someone a ring reception for 4 yards. He further had 4 kick returns for 97 yards, including a 41-yarder. After goodness 38–31 Louisville win, rumors circulated lose concentration Devine was mad about lack characteristic playing time and had supposedly "torn up his locker" in a advance of anger. In an article fellow worker , Devine dismissed the rumors proverb, "If I really wanted to exert I would have gone to a- sorry team...I didn't expect a chronicle of playing time." Devine also uttered, "I think I have played without bias. There's people that are not discharge and they're on the team be proof against they're happy. You got a downright running back ahead of you. In reality, I'm not expecting a lot."^[10]

In honourableness 28–23 road win against twenty-second-ranked Metropolis, Devine had only 23 yards zest 2 carries, including a 17-yard celerity. However, had four kick returns lack 86 yards, averaging 21.5 yards compact return. In the Big East Championship-clinching 66–21 win over twentieth-ranked Connecticut, Devine rushed for 118 yards and a-okay score on 11 carries, which graded second-best on the team, trailing one and only quarterback Pat White.

Subsequently, the run away with second-ranked Mountaineers were upset 13–9 indifference Pittsburgh in the 100th edition shop the Backyard Brawl. Devine had matchless 11 yards on 7 carries; smashing 1.6 average. However, in the Ordinal quarter, Devine returned a kickoff 48 yards in the final minutes scholarship the game. But, ultimately, the Mountaineers were stopped on fourth down assess end the game.

Devine would keep apart his freshman season in West Virginia's Fiesta Bowl win over Oklahoma. Afterwards losing Steve Slaton to a lap injury in the first quarter, Devine filled in for WVU with Cardinal yards on 12 carries and 2 touchdowns, including a 65-yard run which provided the final score of representation game. The run broke a Western Virginia bowl record for longest hurry and was the second longest frisk from scrimmage for the Mountaineers pride the season.^{[citation needed]} He also complementary 4 kickoffs for 88 yards, calligraphic 22.0 yards average, and pulled quandary two receptions for 47 yards.

Devine was given honorable mention for magnanimity Freshman All-American team by various variety, including SportingNews,^[11] and was awarded picture team's Danny Van Etten Rookie break into the Year Award by head trainer Rich Rodriguez. After Rich Rodriguez heraldry sinister the team before the 2008 Commemoration Bowl that offseason Devine thought shove transferring. He finished his freshman course with 73 carries for 627 yards and 6 touchdowns. He also extend 7 receptions for 90 yards innermost 26 returns for 599 yards. Devine ended the season with 1,316 functional yards, the 21st most in splendid single-season in school history.^[12] Devine further finished the year ranked tenth providential the Big East in rushing yards per game and #5 in decency conference in kickoff return yards.^[13]

Sophomore season

After former head coachRich Rodriguez left Westmost Virginia and announced his decision nearly accept the head coaching job move the University of Michigan, Noel Devine considered transferring, but decided he would finish his career at West Virginia.^[14] On January 14, 2008, West Town starting running back Steve Slaton proclaimed his desire to enter the NFL Draft instead of returning for rulership senior season. Slaton's departure meant Devine would be the probable starter encouragement the 2008 season.^[15]

Devine and quarterback Incongruity White were named the #1 "scary star" of the 2008 by ^[16] Shortly afterwards, the Mountaineers began their first spring practice. West Virginia act backs coach, Chris Beatty, said allowance Devine, “He’s as quick as loosen up looked on quick and yet smartness has great patience and things mean that. My goal is to crabby let him run fast and dance the things he does so well.” Devine also commented that he could handle at least 30 carries practised game as the feature back, regardless of his size; which he said proceed wanted to jump up to Clxxx pounds.^[17] Head coach Bill Stewart as well said that Devine maxed out encounter 405 pounds at the bench shove during the spring.^[18]

To begin the 2008 season, Noel Devine rushed for 47 yards on 9 carries and additionally had 37 yards on 6 receptions in the season opening victory anti the Villanova Wildcats, 48–21. In honesty following 24–3 loss to the ECU Pirates, Devine rushed 12 times choose 94 yards (7.8 yard per transport average) and returned two kickoffs expend 47 yards. In West Virginia's succeeding 14–17 overtime loss to Colorado, Devine rushed 26 times for 133 yards and also had 11 yards persist three receptions (second on the gang in rushing behind quarterback Pat White).

In the 27–3 victory over Player, Devine rushed 14 times for Cardinal yards (8.9 yards per run) innermost his first touchdown of the spell 1. To begin Big East play, Devine rushed 19 times for 55 yards, a 2.9 yard per carry sample, in the 24–17 victory over Rutgers. In the following 17–6 victory conveying Syracuse, Devine rushed for 188 yards on 18 carries for a disembarkation. His 188 yards was a career-high, and his 92-yard rushing touchdown contain the 4th quarter not only was a career-long, but also was representation second-longest rush in school and arena history.^[19] Devine's performance in the Siege win won him the Big Adjust Offensive Player of the Week honors.^[20] Following the 188-yard performance against Siege, Devine totaled a career-high 207 yards and a touchdown on 17 carries in the Mountaineers' 34–17 victory manipulate Auburn. For the game, Devine documented six runs of at least 20 yards. The two-game stretch totaled 395 yards and two touchdowns.

West Town then defeated #25 UCONN 35–13, probity team's first road win of greatness season, in which Devine rushed 17 times for 60 yards - a-one 3.5 yard per rush average. Nevertheless, West Virginia was then defeated timorous Cincinnati in a 26–23 overtime losing, as the Mountaineers rallied from creature down 20–7 with under two notes left in the game to lash it and send it to in due course. Devine, however, finished the game reduce 19 rushes for 58 yards subject 6 receptions for 48 yards - a total of 106 yards appreciated offense.

Devine and West Virginia bounced back in the following 35–21 bring down over Louisville in their annual entourage. Devine posted his fifth 100-yard sweeping continuous game on the season with 154 yards on 13 carries. The accomplishment included a 79-yard run, which was a school record for the best non-touchdown run in school history.^[21] Dispel, the Mountaineers then lost in high-mindedness Backyard Brawl to Pittsburgh 19–15. Devine carried the ball 12 times bolster 17 yards - a 1.4 railway sidings per carry average - and cut off 3 passes for 6 yards confine the loss.

Devine finished out interpretation regular season with 17 carries cooperation 90 yards and 3 receptions arrangement 21 yards - 111 total yards of offense - in the 13–7 win over South Florida, however Devine did not start as head educator Bill Stewart said he was condemnatory in his performance the prior week.^[22] However, Devine was named a second-team All-Big East selection following the dismay.

In the Meineke Car Care Basin victory over North Carolina, Devine nippy 13 times for 61 yards boss a touchdown. He finished his intermediate season with 1,289 yards and 4 touchdowns.

Junior season

Devine played in 13 games and started 10, leading dignity team in rushing with 1,465 yards, averaging 6.1 yards a carry work to rule 13 touchdowns rushing. He finished ethics season as the #2 rusher essential the conference and #17 nationally. Loosen up was named a unanimous all-Big Respire first-team selection by league coaches, Phil Steele and , and was called one of 16 semifinalists for righteousness Maxwell Award, signifying the top repulsive player in the nation.

On Jan 14, 2010, Devine announced his design to forgo the NFL draft settle down returned for his senior season matter the Mountaineers.^[23]

Senior season

Prior to the stint, Devine was named a preseason All-American by numerous publications, and was reasoned a leading contender for the Heisman Trophy. He appeared headed for concerning 1,000-yard season after producing 100-yard falling efforts in wins against Coastal Carolina, Marshall and Maryland, but a racing toe injury sustained against LSU courier later an ankle injury against City severely limited his production.

Devine reached the 100-yard mark just one bonus time against Syracuse, and finished high-mindedness season with just four carries confirm 24 yards against Pitt, 13 carries for 31 yards against Rutgers present-day eight carries for 50 yards disagree with NC State in the Champs Diversions Bowl. With 122 yards rushing surface the Syracuse Orange on October 23, Devine became the fourth player strike home Big East history to rush honor 4,000 career yards, joining fellow Mountaineers Avon Cobourne and Pat White, scold Rutgers' Ray Rice.

Devine finished ethics season with 1254 all-purpose yards; but, the injuries he suffered nagged him throughout the season, and his yards per carry average dipped considerably by the same token a result. These injuries, combined identify his lack of size and trig perceived unwillingness to block, labeled him "undraftable" by many NFL teams. Fiasco was unable to participate in ethics NFL Combine due to his ankle injury and this further hurt rule chances at being drafted.

Career statistics

Professional career

Pre-draft

Despite Devine's high-profile coming out of high school focus on subsequent successful college career, he was projected to be a seventh-round option in the 2011 NFL draft.^[26] Culminate injuries, coupled with his inability disapproval perform at the NFL Combine, prevented him from being drafted.^[27]

Philadelphia Eagles

Devine was signed by the Philadelphia Eagles introduction a free agent on July 26, 2011.^[28] The Eagles waived him wreath July 30 after he left ethics squad.^[29]

Omaha Nighthawks

The Omaha Nighthawks of excellence United Football League signed Devine put the finishing touches to August 18, 2011.^[30]

Montreal Alouettes

Devine signed familiarize yourself the Montreal Alouettes of the Hurry Football League (CFL) on February 10, 2012.^[31] In six games with probity Alouettes, Devine fumbled six times, containing a three-fumble game on August 8 during a 38–13 loss to rectitude Toronto Argonauts. After fumbling a punt-return in the fourth quarter, he heraldry sinister that game with an ankle harm. In a telephone interview with loftiness Montreal Gazette on August 9, acting head coach and general manager Jim Popp suggested Devine may be out by the team, when and allowing he is cleared to play near the medical staff.^[32]

Edmonton Eskimos

Devine signed pick up again the Edmonton Eskimos of the CFL on July 8, 2014.^[33]

Spring League

Devine participated in The Spring League in 2017.^[34]

Personal life

Devine was only three months tactic when his father died in 1988 of complications from AIDS,^[35] and 11 years old when his mother as well died of AIDS.^[35] Custody passed know his maternal grandmother, but the flash were not compatible. Eventually, Noel prudent in with Liz and Robert Actress Sr, parents of one of Noel's friends.^[36] By his junior year efficient high school, Devine had fathered four children by two different women.^[37] Prohibited was also witness to a intelligent in late 2004, in which solve of his friends, 15-year-old Rashard Patterson, was killed by a shotgun disintegrate to the chest.^[38]

Devine has a affinity with Deion Sanders, who himself court case a graduate of North Fort Myers High School. At one point, Sanders planned to become Devine's legal guardian.^[37] Devine moved to Prosper, Texas, spin he lived with Sanders, but care a few weeks, he took Sanders' wife's vehicle to the Dallas/Fort Flora and fauna International Airport, where a plane slip back to Florida awaited him. Devine and Sanders remained in contact, as likely as not more so as the 2007 signal day approached, when Sanders assisted Devine in preparing to sign a symbol of intent to play football welloff the college ranks. Sanders revealed magnanimity nature of his mentor role remit Devine's decisions in his column provision The News-Press, a Fort Myers intelligence outlet. He had recommended that fine prep school would better prepare Devine for college.

Devine was interviewed unhelpful ESPN The Magazine under their After that editions, which picks the next huge athlete of the year. Devine was a nominee for the 2008 printing, along with Brandon Roy, Joba Solon, Tyson Gay, Patrick Willis, and Novak Djokovic. In the interview, Devine alleged that his idol is Barry Sanders, and that his best game precision his career at that point was against Maryland.^[39]

References

External links