MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia outside linebacker Xavier Preston, the projected heir apparent to NFL fourth-round pick Nick Kwiatkoski, has been suspended for the season opener against Missouri, sources confirmed to MetroNews.
Preston’s one-game penalty, which has been message-board fodder throughout the preseason, leaves the Sam linebacker spot to Justin Arndt, a former walk-on from Martinsburg.
Preston expects to be available in Week 2 against Youngstown State, sources said.
While drawing repeated praise from defensive coordinator Tony Gibson during camp, Arndt is generously listed at 5-11 and 215 pounds, making him undersized by Power Five standards.