Former WVU LB Josiah Trotter Details Journey, Explains Leaving College Early: ‘My Best Ball is Ahead of Me’

On the verge of becoming the latest member of his family to reach the NFL, former Mountaineer linebacker Josiah Trotter discussed his journey and future in Indianapolis at the NFL Combine on Wednesday.

“It’s a family business. Just growing up watching my dad coming through this, my brother, watching him. It’s fun to be able to carry that legacy, carry that last name,” said Trotter.

He also said what he’s heard from NFL teams has only added to his confidence.

“Good things overall. From first to second, maybe third. But hearing really good stuff. Just trust the process and letting the chips fall where the chips fall.”

Since he decided to forgo his remaining eligibility, Trotter was asked about his thought process in declaring for the draft after only two actual seasons on the field – he took a redshirt year at WVU in 2023 due to a knee injury.

Trotter said he leaned on his dad, former NFL Pro Bowl linebacker Jeremiah, for advice during the process and that his dad made him feel comfortable based on what he heard from around the league.

With confidence, Trotter made it known “my best ball is ahead of me” when asked to sell himself to NFL teams.

Trotter recorded 84 total tackles, 43 solo stops, two sacks and a pass deflection in his lone season with Missouri. Prior to his transfer, he spent two years with West Virginia, which included a redshirt first year due to suffering a season-ending injury in the offseason.

Trotter made 93 tackles, with 37 registered as solo tackles, two pass deflections, a pick and a half sack as a Mountaineer.

Even though the WVU defense struggled throughout the 2024 season as whole, Trotter put up four double-figure tackle performances. Those big games came against Cincinnati, Iowa State, Kansas and in the season opener when West Virginia hosted Penn State.

The 6-foot-2, 237-pound linebacker is considered best at run coverage and blitzing by scouts.

Members of the West Virginia Mountaineers defense react after forcing a turnover against UCF Knights during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Morgantown, W.Va. (WVSN photo by William Wotring)

Trotter embraces being part of a strong football family and everything that comes with his last name. He talked about being used to the natural comparisons that come with being a Trotter ahead of the 2024 season.

Trotter touched on what it’s like being the son of a former NFL All-Pro and even the brother of former Clemson star and current NFL player Jeremiah Jr.

Trotter explained the one big life lesson he’s learned from his dad. “Work ethic. How you carry yourself every day. Make sure you leave your mark,” he said.

Continuing to be open about his family and upbringing, Trotter said he was young and doesn’t remember too much from his dad’s NFL career. He has, however, seen the highlights and heard the stories. He also revealed his dad’s ex Eagles teammate Brian Dawkins as a mentor beyond his family.

A top recruit out of St. Joe’s Prep in Philadelphia, Pa., Trotter was viewed as one of the premier pieces of WVU’s 2023 recruiting class.

WV Sports Now’s partner site Steelers Now assisted in this story. 

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