Colton McKivitz Accepts Senior Bowl Invite

Defensive linemen in the Big 12 may give a sigh of relief when WVU offensive tackle Colton McKivitz finally graduates and they do not have to try and get past him anymore.

McKivitz is the longest-tenured Mountaineers on the 2019 roster, having played in 46 career games, making 43 starts. Fellow seniors Reese Donahue and Kennedy McKoy are close with 45 games played each, but no one on the team comes anywhere close to the same number of starts McKivitz has made.

Since a game on Oct. 15, 2016 against Texas Tech, Mickivitz has not missed a single start, starting 42 games in a row.

Longevity is one thing, but McKivitz has been one of the best linemen in the Big 12 for his entire career. The two-time All-Big 12 honorable mention had a chance to enter the NFL draft after last season but decided to return for his senior year. He has a shot to be drafted again this year and will be able to show his talents to NFL scouts at the 2020 Reese’s Senior Bowl.

The best-of-the-best. Welcome OL Colton McKivitz (@CMcKivitz) from @WVUfootball to the 2020 @Reeses Senior Bowl! #HailWV #TheDraftStartsInMOBILE pic.twitter.com/A4U2Tl4U4Z

— Reese's Senior Bowl (@seniorbowl) November 7, 2019

Offensive coordinator Matt Moore had used McKivitz’s work ethic and preparation as an example this year for the younger linemen on the team to work toward. Freshman guard James Gmitter was a defensive lineman this year and is not shy about showing his appreciation for the senior.

All joking aside Colton is very deserving of this. He has been a great leader not just for me but for this entire team. Truly deserving of everything that is coming! Congrats Colt!

— 74 (@Gmiter74) November 7, 2019

West Virginia’s offensive line has been one of the best in the Big 12 this season at protecting the quarterback. Thier 12 sacks allowed is tied for the third-lowest total in the conference.

The 2020 Reese’s Senior Bowl will be held on Jan. 25, 2020 in Mobile, Alabama.