Six former Mountaineers invited to NFL Combine

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Jan 2, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers running back Wendell Smallwood (4) looks on before the 2016 against the Arizona State Sun Devils Cactus Bowl at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers running back Wendell Smallwood (4) looks on before the 2016 against the Arizona State Sun Devils Cactus Bowl at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

Wendell Smallwood

Once during an interview with reporters in the West Virginia team room this season, Wendell Smallwood adamantly said he would return for his senior season.

That won’t be the case, though, as Smallwood filed paperwork to the NFL and will become eligible for the Draft.

He had a breakout junior season with 1,549 rushing yards on 238 carries with nine touchdowns, making him one of the premier running backs in the Big 12.

Standing at 5-foot-11, 201 pounds, Smallwood is a protypical power back. His longest run of his senior season was only 15 yards, so he doesn’t have that breakaway speed that would make him stand out.

However, his knack for extending the play and fighting for extra yards makes him a sure-fire mid-round pick. His departure, though, leaves a gaping hole for the Mountaineers depth in the backfield.

Next: Daryl Worley