According to this report from MetroNews, sophomore linebacker David Long, one of four returning starters on West Virginia’s rebuilding defense, is expected to miss the nonconference portion of the upcoming season after suffering a knee injury.

 

Sources told MetroNews that Long injured his meniscus in June during conditioning sessions, though coaches have declined comment.

 

According to a report Wednesday from Sports Illustrated’s Bruce Feldman, Long could be sidelined for the first month of the season, putting him on a timetable to return by the Oct. 7 game at TCU.

 

With West Virginia gearing for a titanic season opener against former Big East rival Virginia Tech, Long’s absence will force some shuffling by defensive coordinator Tony Gibson, who aims to make his outside linebackers interchangeable.

 

Long’s backup at the Will spot this spring was redshirt freshman Dylan Tonkery, a converted safety who starred at Bridgeport High. Behind Tonkery was junior college transfer Quondarius Qualls, an early enrollee who drew raves on signing day before having the kind of inconsistent spring common among newcomers.

 

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Editor's Note: Photo of Dylan Tonkery courtesy of WVU Sports Communications.