Shanna Rose | WV Sports Chat
FRISCO, Texas- Wearing No. 5 at West Virginia comes with high expectations, and wide receiver Jaden Bray plans to honor the legacy of Mountaineer legend Pat White during his final season in Morgantown.
White led WVU to four consecutive bowl victories. During his final season, he eclipsed the 4,000-yard rushing, 6,000-yard passing, 10,000-yard total offense and 4,000-yard all-purpose yardage marks.
From what he did both on and off the field, he will forever be etched in the hearts of Mountaineer fans. The legend currently serves as one of Rich Rodriguez’s assistant coaches
“Oh man, Pat White,” Bray said. “Ever since I’ve been here, because I’m a pretty quiet guy. When I’m up at the facility, I don’t really talk that much, but every time I see coach Pat White, it’s just great seeing him, just like instilling to me because every time I see him, he always just says, ‘What’s up five?’ You know, and it’s always cool to hear that because he was the great five.”
Seeing White’s jersey being retired reinforces what the former WVU quarterback meant to the program and the state.
“And then just seeing his number get retired and everything has just been great because he is a guy that really does deserve it,” Bray said. “His humility and that he does for the state of West Virginia and just how he carries himself in that building is just great. You can tell like he also impacted a lot of people’s lives here.”
White wanted Bray to be the last Mountaineer to wear the jersey.
“Before he even made his speech or anything, the first thing he said was, ‘I want Bray to wear it. Can you all please let Bray finish out wearing No. 5?’ That was one of my biggest moments, and it meant the world to me,” he said. “I’m going to do all I can to make sure to wear this number the right way,” Bray said.
The senior wide receiver has enjoyed learning from one of the most accomplished players in program history and values having White around the team every day.
“And it’s just great to have him in the building and also just learn and pick up things from him,” Bray said. “And like I said, everything that he’s had come his way, he’s definitely deserve it.”
The Norman, Oklahoma, native doesn’t take the honor lightly and understands the responsibility that comes with it.
“And this year I get to wear the five for the last time,” he said. “So, I’m going to do all I can to honor him for sure and all the past fives that were able to wear this jersey this year.”
Photo credit: WVU Athletics
