69 Garin Justice

Hometown: Gilbert, WV

Career: 2002-2005

Record: 36-14, Bowl Record: 1-3 including a BCS win

Big Garin Justice came to Morgantown to play for Coach Rich Rodriguez in2002. He must have seen the potential in Coach Rod’s spread attack to commit to a program that suffered an awful 2001 season. By his sophomore season, Justice began to see some playing time, starting the season opener against Wisconsin and seeing action all throughout the season. Justice was plugged at starting right tackle his junior year and started the rest of his WVU career. It was because of athletic linemen like Justice, that WVU was able to turn their program into a perennial Big East Champion.

Memorable Game: Justice got quite a work out, running up and down the field, clearing the road for K.J. Harris in the 2004 home game against East Carolina. The Mountaineers came into the season opener against the Pirates with high hopes for the season. WVU was the favorite to win the Big East Championship and they wanted to start the season off with a big win. The Pirates defense had no chance of shutting down the potent Mountaineer offense that day, as WVU would rack up 478 yards on the ground alone. Justice cleared the way for K.J. Harris’ single game rushing record of 337 yards. The Mountaineers were just a much better team than East Carolina that day, winning by a blowout score of 56-23.

Competition: There are some out there who would argue that #69 should have gone to Tom Robsock. He was part of the 1993 team that went undefeated in the regular season. I tabbed Justice with this pick because it is player like him, the unheralded offensive linemen of his day, that are the reason WVU became Big East Champions year in and year out.

Teaser: Tomorrow we feature, imagine this, another offensive linemen. The player selected at #68 is a lineman from the 2000s. He certainly made his mark on the WVU football program. Some might argue that he left a dent in several opponents. When I think of his crushing blocks, I think to this scene from the Dumb and Dumber.