Four members of the West Virginia football team were cited Tuesday night on suspicion of smoking marijuana at a college residence hall. The group included star offensive lineman Yodny Cajuste, linebacker Jaleel Fields, safety Dravon Henry and linebacker Xavier Preston.
“We are aware of the situation, and the matter will be handled internally,” WVU coach Dana Holgorsen said in a statement.
Henry, a true freshman, is the most notable of the group, having started 13 games a season ago while recording 45 tackles and two interceptions. The Aliquippa native is among the top young cornerbacks in the entire Big 12 and any further run-ins with administration could jeopardize his playing status with the university. Fields, Henry’s high school teammate, and Cajuste both spent this past season redshirting and did not contribute to the team’s 7-6 finish. On the other hand, Preston played in nine games for the Mountaineers tallying just two tackles while seeing limited playing time. Each member of the group, however, was expected to contribute major minutes during the 2015 season and any further slip up could cost them on and off the field.
The exact details of how the event occurred remain uncertain, but expect the players to be place on probation and pay any necessary court fees.
West Virginia dropped their final contest of the year 45-37 to the Texas A&M Aggies in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl and will look to take the next step to atop the Big 12 conference in 2015. Still, much of their success will depend upon players like Henry to improve and fill any void left by the previous starters. This formula could catapult West Virginia back to one of the elite programs in all the country.
*Section Photo credit to David Purdy, Getty Images; Featured Photo (above) credit to USA Today Sports
