Alabama is taking on West Virginia in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff on Saturday, but they will do so without a starting linebacker. Senior Trey DePriest has been suspended for the season opener for what is being reported as a minor NCAA infraction. Head coach Nick Saban announced the suspension Wednesday.
The details of the infraction have been unconfirmed, but playing DePriest while an investigation is ongoing would put any potential wins in jeopardy of being vacated down the line if it is ruled he would have been ineligible.
DePriest started 13 games last season with 65 tackles for the Crimson Tide and will be a starter for the team this season, pending the results of the investigation of course. According to Al.com, Alabama will start Reggie Ragland and Reuben Foster at linebacker.