Born and raised in southwestern West Virginia, Wyatt Milum talks as if he’s as proud of his native state — and its flagship university — as he is of his status as one of the college football’s best offensive tackles in recent seasons.
“Last three years, I don’t think I gave up a sack,” Milum said to reporters at the NFL combine early this spring. “That’s one thing West Virginia was built on — just the hard-working, blue-collar mentality.”
Friday night gave Milum something else to be proud of: he’s officially an NFL player. A four-year starter at tackle for WVU who projects as a likely guard in the pros, Milum was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars with the 89th overall pick in Round 3.
The 6-foot-6 ½, 313-pound Milum made 43 starts for the Mountaineers, the final 35 at left tackle over the past three seasons. According to Pro Football Focus data, Milum is correct in that he did not allow a sack.
Furthermore, PFF graded Milum the second-best of the 342 FBS offensive tackles who played the most snaps last season. PFF graded Milum the nation’s third-best tackle in run blocking and No. 1 in pass blocking.
“Tough, strong and assignment-oriented, Milum possesses the frame and mentality of an NFL player,” reads draft analyst Lance Zierlein’s profile of Milum on the NFL’s official website.
“His physical profile, play strength and football intelligence could have him ready as an early starter for gap-scheme teams.”
That role, though, most likely will come at guard. Not that Milum seems to mind.
“I can play at all five positions,” Milum said.
Milum might be embarking on employment in Jacksonville. But part of his heart will always remain at home.
“Especially being from West Virginia, it’s been a blessing,” Milum said. “I’m blessed that I have able to play for West Virginia. It was a great opportunity. If I had to go back four years ago, I’d still go to West Virginia. That’s my home, so I am forever grateful that West Virginia University gave me an opportunity to play there.”
