MORGANTOWN, W.Va. -- Jock Sanders, sophomore slot receiver and running back, insists that it really doesn't matter to him whether West Virginia University quarterback Patrick White throws a pass or hands the ball off to him for a running play.

"I just want to get the ball in my hands any way I can and do something good with it," the 5-foot-9, 170-pound speedster from St. Petersburg, Fla., said. "I enjoy playing both positions the same, running or catching."

Sanders, who lettered last season as a true freshman, looms larger in the high-powered WVU offense this year. He's admittedly ready to start the season.

"I know what I've got to do to make (defensive) people miss," he said. "As of right now, I like to play slot receiver and also running back. I'm getting reps at both positions, but not as many at tailback because I already know it well."

As a result, he has been devoting most of his time in preseason practice trying to master his pass-catching role.

Coach Bill Stewart keeps saying that Sanders is one of three standouts on offense who must touch the ball as much as possible. The other two are senior Patrick White, the record-breaking quarterback, and Noel Devine, the starting sophomore tailback.

Sanders appeared in all 13 games last year, including two starts. He rushed 16 times for a net 105 yards and two touchdowns. He also caught 12 passes for 102 yards.

Stewart paid tall tribute to him.

"Jock Sanders right now probably is our MVP outside of Patrick White," Stewart said. "He's the backup running back and a starting slot receiver. He's got a good head on him and probably could go in and play quarterback.

"He brings so much to the table. We're going to try to get the ball to him more than just bubble screens. We'll try to get the ball to him vertically down the field."

Stewart thinks WVU might be able to stretch the defense with Sanders because of his talent and speed. He believes fans are going to find the youngster even more exciting this year.

"He is a very, very good football player," he said. "And, more important, he's a great kid. He's had a tremendous, tremendous fall camp. He figures very big in our plans along with No. 5 (Patrick White) and No. 7 (Noel Devine)."

Sanders and Devine have been very close since enrolling at WVU. Both live in the same local complex and they room together on Mountaineer trips for road games.

"Of course, we talk about football," Sanders said. "But we talk about other things, too."