Wyatt Milum Interview: 'My Game Has Grown Tremendously'

West Virginia offensive tackle Wyatt Milum is one of the better-performing prospects in the nation. A multi-year starter at offensive tackle, Milum’s fundamental strength and movement skills showcase a refined blocker with starting-caliber potential at the next level. He's beginning to enter the first-round conversation as one of the cleaner evaluations in college football.

Milum recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network. Milum discussed playing both tackle and guard positions, his favorite concepts to execute in West Virginia's playbook, possibly playing for a Big 12 championship, and more.

JM: We're nine games into the 2024 season. Which areas of Wyatt Milum’s game have grown the most from last season to this year?

Wyatt Milum: I really feel like my game has grown tremendously. I would probably single out my ability in pass protection. It’s way better this season than it was last year. It’s an area I really focused on during the offseason.

I wanted to be more consistent with my technique in my pass pro. That’s probably where I’ve grown the most this season.

JM: It’s an ever-important aspect in today’s game. You've been outstanding at offensive tackle for West Virginia for years now, since making eight starts as a true freshman in 2021. What do you think it was about your mindset that allowed you to contribute at such a young age?

Wyatt Milum: I just wanted to be at my best, even back then. I was raw and I was still learning, but I certainly didn’t want to let my teammates down. I wanted to help West Virginia win. Even as a young guy, I didn’t wanna go out there and hurt the team. I wanted to be the best player I could be.

I also wanted to be the most prepared player, even as a true freshman. That’s what led to some of the success back in 2021.

JM: Despite the lengthy track record at tackle, some seem to think you may kick inside at the next level. What are your thoughts on that, and how do you respond to possibly playing guard?

Wyatt Milum: I’ll play anywhere anybody wants me to play. It really doesn’t matter to me. If they want me to play guard, tackle, center, I’m going to do it. I’ll play any position on the offensive line.

It’s all about where I can help the team, however I can help us win.

JM: You play with real fundamental strength in pass protection. We talked about you getting better in that area this season. Talk to me about how you approach pass rushers differently based on their skill sets.

Wyatt Milum: What I’ve focused on the most this season is watching more film. You just have to pick up their tendencies, especially when it comes to pass rushers. Hand fighting, striking, and grabbing, it’s really a constant battle.

I felt like I didn’t do well enough winning those hand-battles last year. This season, I really focused on mixing up my timing and my punches. I’m taking some different pass sets that I didn’t take last year. I’m trying to throw defensive linemen off the scent as much as possible with my sets and strike timing.

I’ve really been focused on showing some different things. I can’t just do the same thing over and over again. I have to mix up my concepts.

JM: You’ve been playing at West Virginia for years and you’ve executed all kinds of concepts. Do you prefer playing in a power/gap scheme, or do you prefer getting on the move in a zone-based system? Everyone has a preference.

Wyatt Milum: I definitely like gap/power and stretch. It honestly doesn’t matter to me. Here at West Virginia, we run a little bit of everything. We run stretch, gap, and inside zone. I love running everything.

JM: Building on that, what's your favorite play to run in the playbook and why? You like all of those concepts, but what's something you get excited about hearing in the huddle?

Wyatt Milum: I really love running outside zone. I get to fire off the ball with a purpose. If we’re running outside zone on the front side, I get to run off the ball and attack the defender. On the back side of it, I could use multiple techniques like a back-side cut-off. 

There’s some different things you can do with outside zone. I love getting out there, running, and attacking defenders. I’d probably say outside zone if I had to choose one concept over the others.

JM: We love seeing outside zone executed properly. What's the best game Wyatt Milum has played in a West Virginia jersey and why?

Wyatt Milum: I’d probably say last year’s game against Texas Tech. The BYU game [last year] was pretty good as well. Those two games from my 2023 season, I’d put them up against anything I’ve put on tape.

JM: We've appreciated your time today. This has been outstanding. What are your goals for the remainder of this season?

Wyatt Milum: My goal is for West Virginia to win our last four games. We’re hoping to qualify for the Big 12 Championship Game. We want to end our season by winning a bowl game.