CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- New West Virginia running backs coach Chris Beatty is searching for the next Noel Devine.

Or at least someone to fill the role of backup tailback that Devine played so effectively for the Mountaineers last season.

As the clock ticks down to the Aug. 30 season opener against Villanova, West Virginia's depth at tailback - or serious lack thereof - continues to be an area of concern, especially for Beatty.

"I think we've got some young guys coming in that we hope can play," said Beatty. "Somebody's going to have to come up and be the No. 2 guy behind Noel and create some competition at that spot."

One of the players who could be in the race for the backup role is Terence Kerns.

A former prep standout in Maryland, Kerns only recently became eligible academically to compete for the Mountaineers. He originally signed with WVU following the 2006 season, but didn't make the grade and spent last year at Hargrave Military Academy. He signed with WVU again in February.

At 6-foot-1 and 225 pounds, Kerns would be a nice change of pace from the smaller, quicker Devine, who has yet to endure the season-long physical pounding that comes with being a starter. Beatty also would like to lessen the burden on quarterback Pat White, who carried the ball nearly 200 times last season.

Beatty understands the importance of keeping both White and Devine healthy, and developing another option to carry the football would go a long way in keeping the Mountaineers' stars on the field.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- New West Virginia running backs coach Chris Beatty is searching for the next Noel Devine.

Or at least someone to fill the role of backup tailback that Devine played so effectively for the Mountaineers last season.

As the clock ticks down to the Aug. 30 season opener against Villanova, West Virginia's depth at tailback - or serious lack thereof - continues to be an area of concern, especially for Beatty.

"I think we've got some young guys coming in that we hope can play," said Beatty. "Somebody's going to have to come up and be the No. 2 guy behind Noel and create some competition at that spot."

One of the players who could be in the race for the backup role is Terence Kerns.

A former prep standout in Maryland, Kerns only recently became eligible academically to compete for the Mountaineers. He originally signed with WVU following the 2006 season, but didn't make the grade and spent last year at Hargrave Military Academy. He signed with WVU again in February.

At 6-foot-1 and 225 pounds, Kerns would be a nice change of pace from the smaller, quicker Devine, who has yet to endure the season-long physical pounding that comes with being a starter. Beatty also would like to lessen the burden on quarterback Pat White, who carried the ball nearly 200 times last season.

Beatty understands the importance of keeping both White and Devine healthy, and developing another option to carry the football would go a long way in keeping the Mountaineers' stars on the field.

"I think we definitely need to find some [depth]," said Beatty. "Noel's not a big guy and we need to find someone to give him a break. Noel did great things as a freshman and, with all the ability he has, people underestimate how strong he is. But we need to find someone else to share those carries.

"And Pat White carried the ball 200 times last year. We have to find someone so he doesn't need to be the main ball carrier."

In addition to Kerns, the Mountaineers expect to have Mark Rodgers and Zach Hulse in camp this fall.

Rodgers is a 5-9, 180-pound back in the Devine mold. As a senior at Leuzinger High in Lawndale, Calif., he rushed for more than 2,300 yards and scored 18 touchdowns.

Hulce is a junior college transfer from Glendale (Ariz.) Community College. The 5-10, 200-pound native of Puyallup, Wash., gained just over 1,100 yards and scored eight TDs as a sophomore last season.

"We have guys who have the potential to do it," said Beatty. "Our job is to make sure they translate the things they did in high school to here. We're going to have to have some young guys step up and be able to play like [Devine] did last year."

Reach Jeff Rider at 348-5122 or           jri...@wvgazette.com.