Pat McAfee has carved out a unique and impactful career in the world of football and sports entertainment. While he is widely recognized for his broadcasting and media personality today, his journey began on the gridiron as a standout specialist for the West Virginia University (WVU) Mountaineers. This article delves into Pat McAfee’s football career during his time at WVU, highlighting his key achievements and statistics that laid the foundation for his success.
Early Career and Freshman Impact (2005)
As a true freshman in 2005, Pat McAfee immediately stepped into a crucial role for the Mountaineers, handling both placement kicking and kickoff duties. He demonstrated his potential early on, successfully converting 11 out of 18 field goal attempts throughout the season. Notably, his made field goals ranged from short-range kicks to a season-long of 45 yards, showcasing his leg strength and accuracy even as a newcomer. McAfee also managed kickoffs, executing 70 kickoffs with 20 touchbacks, proving his ability to consistently drive the ball deep. His freshman performance earned him recognition as the BIG EAST player of the week after a game against Maryland and Special Teams Champion honors for games against Maryland and Pitt, marking a promising start to his college career.
Solidifying a Sophomore Stature (2006)
McAfee’s sophomore season in 2006 saw him further solidify his role as a key special teams player for WVU. He displayed improved accuracy in field goal kicking, connecting on 17 of 22 attempts. His consistency on extra points was perfect, hitting all 62 attempts. This season included milestones like a career-best 48-yard field goal against Connecticut, along with crucial kicks in important games, including two field goals in a win against Syracuse. A highlight of his season was a 51-yard field goal against Pitt, which was recorded as the longest field goal (college or pro) in Heinz Field history at the time. McAfee’s consistent performance led to being named BIG EAST player of the week twice, for games against Connecticut and Rutgers, and earning the Scott Shirley Award as the WVU special teams player of the year. He also handled kickoffs, with 92 attempts and 26 touchbacks, maintaining a strong presence on special teams.
Junior Year Excellence and National Recognition (2007)
2007 marked Pat McAfee’s junior year and a season of exceptional performance that garnered national attention. He was recognized as a semifinalist for the Lou Groza Award, given to the nation’s best college football kicker. The WVU coaching staff awarded him the Scott Shirley Special Teams Player of the Year Award for the second consecutive year. McAfee was also named second-team all-BIG EAST by both league coaches and rivals.com, and earned a spot on ESPN.com’s All-Bowl Team for his Fiesta Bowl performance.
On the field, McAfee connected on 13 of 19 field goal attempts and an impressive 64 of 65 extra point attempts. He scored a total of 103 points, making him the second-leading scorer for the Mountaineers. His field goals included five of 40 yards or more, with a season-long of 49 yards against Syracuse. In the Fiesta Bowl against Oklahoma, he made two out of four field goal attempts, including successful kicks from 38 and 42 yards.
Beyond field goals and extra points, McAfee took on punting duties in 2007, punting 46 times for 1,962 yards, averaging 42.7 yards per punt. He demonstrated precision punting, placing 17 punts inside the opponent’s 20-yard line. His kickoff performance remained strong, with 89 kickoffs for 5,384 yards, averaging 60.5 yards per kickoff. McAfee’s junior year stats placed him high in BIG EAST rankings across multiple categories, including punting average, PAT kicking percentage, field goal percentage, and scoring. He achieved multiple field goals in three games and consistently delivered high-yardage punts, especially in the latter part of the season, averaging 48.5 yards per punt in his last five games.
Legacy at WVU
Pat McAfee’s college football career at West Virginia University was characterized by consistent performance, versatility, and a clear impact on the Mountaineers’ special teams unit. By the end of his junior year, he had already achieved significant milestones, ranking high on WVU’s career lists for extra points made (No. 1), punting average (No. 3), kick scoring (No. 4), and field goals made (No. 4). His junior season served as a culmination of his growth and skill development, setting the stage for his eventual transition to the NFL and subsequent media career. While his professional football career and media ventures are widely celebrated, it’s crucial to remember the foundation laid during his time as a WVU Mountaineer, where Pat McAfee honed his skills and began to build his legacy in the world of football.
