Last season, Arlia was a near spec on an offense that had at least three NFL draft prospects. He caught seven passes for 43 yards and appeared in nine games for the Mountaineers. This upcoming season, though, Arlia is hoping to provide a veteran presence and become an offensive contributor.
Tavon Austin, Stedman Bailey and JD Woods left the receiving corps this off-season. The three of them accounted for 289 catches, 3,548 yards, and 41 touchdowns. The gaping hole that their departure creates is a huge gap for Arlia to step up and make an impact.
So far, he’s off to a great start.
When the tentative depth chart that head coach Dana Holgorsen released just before the Gold-Blue game, Arlia was listed as the number two receiver. To make matters better, Arlia picked up two awards prior to the start of the Spring Game. First he was one of three players to be awarded the Iron Mountaineer Award by the strength and conditioning staff. Second, and most importantly, he was awarded the Tom Nickolich award. This award is given to the top walk-on and the prize was a full football scholarship for Arlia.
In the post game interviews after the Spring Game, Arlia said, “It was such an honor and a blessing. The Iron Mountaineer, that’s something I really kind of pride myself on, because I pride myself on working hard and stuff like that.”
He also noted that he knew about receiving that award prior to the game but was completely shocked by the scholarship.
“I can’t even explain the feeling. It just felt great,” Arlia said of receiving the full football scholarship.
Arlia is a player who strives to make the whole team better, not just himself. In an article published by Von Barclay of West Virginia Illustrated, Arlia talked about how his hardworking attitude has transitioned into football. Arlia also preaches this to the whole team and works every day to make his teammates better.
Even with his new status as a scholarship player, Arlia claims his hard work won’t stop. If he keeps this up throughout summer practice, he could see his playing time increase next season.
