Wyatt Milum Caps WVU Career with Frisco Bowl

Dec 18, 2024 at 12:00 AM
West Virginia University's football season has been a rollercoaster, but one player has remained a constant - Wyatt Milum. His dedication and consistency off the field have translated to remarkable on-field performances.

The Unsung Hero of West Virginia Football

Milum's Early Morning Routine

Interim head coach Chad Scott could always count on Wyatt Milum being in the parking lot at 5:45 a.m. Even if he was a bit late sometimes, his consistency was a gift. Milum found a routine shown to him by Zach Frazier, who now starts for the Pittsburgh Steelers. This routine includes using a red light recovery bed, taking a dip in the cold tub, and using compression recovery boots. It helps him stay healthy and in the lineup. After a while, it becomes a second job on top of staying at the top of his game within the offense. Every morning, he gets to the stadium a couple of hours before meetings, does his shoulder work, and goes for rehab if needed.

This routine has not only kept him healthy but has also helped him develop a rhythm that allows him to perform at his best. It's a testament to his discipline and dedication.

His teammates have noticed the impact of his routine and have started following his lead. Now, there are a bunch of players who join him during those early morning sessions.

Milum's On-Field Achievements

Milum's signing to WVU was a major coup for former coach Neal Brown. He was the highest-rated recruit in Brown's classes and one of the highest-rated recruits in WVU history. He started on the offensive line from his freshman season and has become a constant presence. He has started 43 out of 47 games and has logged 2,951 snaps throughout his career.

Over the past two seasons, he has not allowed a sack and in 34 out of 36 games, he has not given up a sack. In 2024, he was named the Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year and a semifinalist for the Outland Trophy. He has also been named a first-team All-American by the Football Writers Association of America, Walter Camp, and the American Football Coaches Association, and a second-team All-American by the Associated Press.

Pro Football Focus lists him as the third-rated offensive tackle, grading out at 90.1. His 84.2 run-blocking grade is sixth nationally in PFF's ratings, and his 89.8 pass-blocking grade is fourth. His performance on the field is truly remarkable.

Milum's Focus on the Present

The NFL is likely Milum's next destination, and some mock drafts have him going in the first round. But he wasn't worried about that heading into the Frisco Bowl. His focus was on the game at hand.

He believes that the biggest thing he has learned is consistency. Showing up every day ready to work, whether good or bad things happen, is the key. He doesn't pay attention to mock drafts because he wants to focus on the now.

His mindset has served him well throughout his WVU career, and he is confident that it will continue to serve him well in the future.