95 David Upchurch

Hometown: Hyattsville, MD

Career: 1999-2002

Record: 23-24, Bowl Record: 1-1

David Upchurch played during a relatively down period in West Virginia University football history. Upchurch came to WVU to play for Coach Don Nehlen, but after the 2000 season, Upchurch was faced with learning a new defensive scheme under new Head Coach Rich Rodriguez and newly hired Defensive Line Coach Jeff Casteel. Upchurch would go on to start at nose tackle for Coach Casteel’s defense. Under the tutelage of Coach Casteel, Upchurch thrived, amassing more than 160 tackles and 10 sacks over his four-year stay in Morgantown.

Memorable Game: David Upchurch had a solid contribution to one of West Virginia’s most dominating defensive performances. The 2002 season was Coach Rich Rodriguez’s second in Morgantown. By the time the Mountaineers faced Rutgers in Piscataway, the Mountaineers had already matched their win total from the year prior (3). West Virginia came into the game seeking win #4 on the season and they would get it in a big way. WVU’s defense smothered the Scarlet Knights, holding Rutgers to a total of 90 yards offense. Upchurch and the defensive line kept the Rutgers running game in check, holding them to 20 yards on the ground. Upchurch would chip in with 2 tackles for loss and 2 pass break-ups.

Competition: Upchurch was arguably the most notable of players to wear #95. Other players of note to wear #95 for the Mountaineers include Pat Marlatt, Delbert Fowler, and Ernie Anderson.

Teaser: My pick for #94 might be a bit of a surprise to some of my readers. The problem with this kind of countdown is finding pictures for each athlete you select. When it comes to my next selection, the process was not exactly tailor-made, but I stand by my selection like Drillbit Taylor stood next to the kids that hired him. Hopefully I can hire Mr. Taylor to protect me from the bullies after tomorrow’s selection.