MORGANTOWN, W.Va — On Saturday, quarterback Skyler Howard accounted for five touchdowns, and two running backs reached career highs in yards but West Virginia’s coaches couldn’t look past the player who gets the least glory. Junior fullback Elijah Wellman touched the ball three times for a total of 5 yards, but he was West Virginia’s Offensive Player of the Week for the Kansas game. Running backs coach JaJuan Seider said it was his best game with the Mountaineers. It was the first such award this season for the Huntington, W.Va., native, and that’s fine with Wellman. “I like flying under the radar a little bit,â€? Wellman said. “I like doing my job, staying quiet and doing some dirty work for those guys. I’m not one to be the center of attention or anything like that. I like to lay low.â€? In West Virginia’s offense, Wellman’s role is almost exclusively as a lead blocker and occasional ball carrier in short-yardage situations. Although Wellman has seen consistent playing time since his freshman season, he never has topped 100 rushing yards in a season. This year, he has 28 yards on 11 carries. Nevertheless, as West Virginia’s offense has grown more run-based, Wellman’s position has grown more important and his role ever larger. Coach Dana Holgorsen estimates Wellman was on the field for 70 of WVU’s 75 offensive snaps Saturday, in addition to about 20 on special teams. And when he’s on the field, Wellman’s zest for blocking — along with his excellent technique — has made him one of the engines of the offense. “He’s like (the offensive line’s) sixth man,â€? guard Kyle Bosch said. “He definitely helps in pass protection. He helps find holes for the running backs. He’s definitely one of the most physical and best fullbacks I’ve ever played with.â€? West Virginia broke three touchdown runs of 20 yards or more Saturday, and Wellman was on the field for all of them. In the first quarter, Howard followed Wellman as he locked up safety Fish Smithson in the hole, springing Howard for a 22-yard score. Howard scored from 33 yards in the next quarter, with Wellman making the key open-field block that allowed Howard to cut inside and break free. Then, in the third quarter, Wellman flattened defensive end Damani Mosby at the line of scrimmage as running back Justin Crawford went 27 yards for a touchdown. Wellman’s lead blocking has helped West Virginia runners average 5.2 yards per carry this season, fourth in the Big 12 and 29th in the country. And as West Virginia prepares for the stretch run, the Mountaineers are hoping they can find more players like Wellman. “Eli, you wish you had 10 to 12 of him,â€? Seider said. “Not just on offense, on defense. Just the way he plays the game: his toughness, his mentality to do whatever it takes to win. His leadership is awesome. I hope I get another one just like him when he leaves. He helps us win.â€? David Statman is a freelance writer. Email Newsletters TribLIVE's Daily and Weekly email newsletters deliver the news you want and information you need, right to your inbox.