Three years ago the Mountaineers star running back was all set to attend Maryland. But late in the recruiting game the Terrapins received commitments from two other backs and pulled Slaton's offer.
Once his offer disappeared unexpectedly, the Levittown, Penn. native contacted West Virginia.
"He didn't have anywhere else to go so he called us up and said, ‘Will you take me?' ” said West Virginia associate coach Bill Stewart, who is leading the Mountaineers in bowl preparation. "And we said ‘Will we take ya!?' So it's been a blessing. He fell upon our doorstep like the stork brought him.”
"I committed; I was already there (at Maryland),” Slaton told Mountaineer Illustrated. "I thought I found a home. It shows recruiting is just a business, but I feel everything happens for a reason.”
Whatever the reason might have been, the Mountaineers are thankful for the 5-foot-10, 190 pound running back.
Along with quarterback Pat White, Slaton is one of two dangerous offensive weapons for the Mountaineers' run-based spread offense.
After being named an All-American as a sophomore Slaton averaged 88 yards rushing this season and scored 17 touchdowns.
Slaton has said he is seeking counsel on whether or not to enter this year's NFL Draft, but that he has not yet decided if he will return for his senior season. It is unclear whether or not coach Rich Rodriguez's departure last week will affect Slaton's decision.
Stewart, who gushed about Slaton's on-field abilities, was more interested in discussing Slaton as a person.
"He is a great family man,” Stewart said.
"Steve Slaton is a tremendous son. He has two wonderful parents and he's a wonderful son to his mom and his dad, and a great family man himself.”
Teammate and senior captain Vaughn Rivers called Slaton one of the hardest workers he's ever seen.
Stewart said that in his 33 years of coaching Slaton is one of the "best citizens” he's encountered.
"My son idolizes him,” Stewart said.
"He's 13 years old. I'm glad he does emulate him because I want my son to emulate Steve Slaton. Whatever his mother and dad did, they did it right.”
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West Virginia running back Steve Slaton averaged 88 yards per game this season, scoring 17 touchdowns. ASSOCIATED PRESS
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