So far, it’s been a great fit on the field.

The question over whether an offense with stars Steve Slaton and Pat White and bruising fullback Owen Schmitt had room for a 5-foot-8 freshman were quickly answered.

Fans gave Devine a standing ovation in the season opener and chanted his name a week later at Marshall.

“In West Virginia the people are a lot nicer,” Devine said. “They treat you well.”

In the third game, Devine’s first two carries in the second half against Maryland went 31 and 76 yards, both ending on the 1-yard line. His third carry, an 18-yard gain, came despite being turned completely around by his face mask.

Devine finished with 136 yards on five carries and got a bear hug from Slaton.

Through four games, Devine has 267 yards and three touchdowns and has surpassed Slaton’s accomplishments through the same time frame in his first season.

“This is more than expected,” said Rodriguez, who prefers to bring his freshmen along slowly.

Devine also has seen a personal transformation. He’s no longer withdrawn and shunning interviews as he did a year ago.

For football, his plan is simple: To stay humble.

“Nothing has changed. It’s a team sport and I understand that,” he said. “As long as we get the scores, that’s all that matters.

“Not too many people know who I am. They think I am a small back and can’t do too much. With me being short, guys can’t see me. I see holes and I take it.”

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Bringing along Devine at the right pace will be tricky work for the Mountaineers, who’ve seen high-profile freshmen fizzle out before.

Prized recruit Jason Gwaltney played six games as a freshman two years ago before he hurt a knee, missed workouts and classes and was off the team by December 2005. Brandon Barrett, a two-time prep player of the year in West Virginia, left the team due to academic trouble in 2006.

Sanders still text messages Devine every weekday, usually something spiritual or instructional. Not about football.

“I’m 40. I’ve been 18 and 19. He’s never been 40 yet,” Sanders said. “I made mistakes and I want to correct those mistakes through you.

“We thank God for how it turned out for him. He’s exceptional.”

Rodriguez, who already has an all-American in Slaton, can’t wait to see what Devine can do down the road.

“Usually you make your biggest improvement as a player at this level between your first and second year,” Rodriguez said. “Once you have an offseason in the weight room and a spring practice to go with it, I think he’s going to continue to be tremendous.”

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