MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia sophomore cornerback Nicktroy Fortune was taught to get through the tough times and keep a gleaming smile on his face, and to a point, there is a lot for Fortune to smile about.
He has started all four games for the Mountaineers, part of a defense that is ranked No. 1 nationally in total defense, allowing 240 yards per game. Fortune also helped WVU sit at the No. 3-ranked pass defense, allowing 148.5 yards per game.
“Man, it’s pretty dope,” Fortune said. “Knowing that you’re a part of a defense that’s ranked No. 1 … not only is the front seven doing their thing, the secondary is, as well. My confidence is up and they guys’, too. The biggest thing is staying grounded, not getting a big head. Keep working week in and week out.
“It’s a blessing to be No. 1, but we’re just trying to do our best to stay there at No. 1.”
Fortune was responsible for one of the lone mishaps last week against Kansas when the ball bounced off his hands, missing an interception, and landing in the waiting arms of KU receiver Andrew Parchment. It was the only touchdown the Jayhawks’ offense scored in the Mountaineers’ 38-17 win.
It was just in the second quarter, but with the mindset of any defensive back, Fortune needed to put it behind him and move on to the next play. After, Fortune and the entire defense completely locked down, shutting out KU the rest of the way.
“I went up for it. The focus (of the play) wasn’t on the ball and I was just too excited to get up there and grab it,” Fortune said. “Things happened but how I bounced back from it is I just think of the next play. I have been through adversity before. Just bounce back, stay on my P’s and Q’s. Coach (Jahmile) Addae kept me in the game. I was just good for the next play.”
Not sweating the small things for Fortune came into play after the game when he realized former WVU star and current Seattle Seahawks linebacker Bruce Irvin tweeted, “Take my 11 off bro,” after Fortune’s misplay.
Irvin played for the Mountaineers from 2010-11 and wore No. 11, the same number Fortune currently wears. Fortune responded saying he didn’t have a bad game overall, and Irvin eventually apologized for his original post.
Both Georgia natives, Fortune said Irvin’s post didn’t bother him as much as many thought it did.
“When I saw it, I just laughed — I didn’t take it the wrong way or anything,” Fortune said. “I woke the next day and he apologized, and I told him I appreciated it. I didn’t look at it that way. Someone who coached him in high school was telling me about him, I found that out during quarantine.
“It’s all love. It’s not anything serious for me, I’ll keep pushing.”
Going through adversity, as Fortune said, is something he’s become accustomed to, but his ability to bounce back was taught to him by his mother, Iliana, which is one of the biggest hurdles he’s had to overcome.
In August, Iliana passed away at 47, forcing Fortune to miss part of fall camp to spend time with family. Her love and approach to life helped Fortune get back to where he needs to be mentally and emotionally.
“The one thing my mom always did no matter how hard her life was, she just kept living and living life,” Fortune said. “Growing up, she just told me to always smile. I am just filled with joy every day. I found more strength after the whole thing. As the weeks go by, week in and week out, there is more strength being built. My mom is there with me. She is pushing me and I think about her every day. It just keeps me going and keeps me smiling, and it keeps me spreading positive energy.”
Fortune and the Mountaineers will face Texas Tech in Lubbock, Texas, at 5:30 p.m. Saturday.
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