MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Junior safety Kenny Robinson, an All-Big 12 performer at West Virginia last season, has entered the NCAA transfer portal.
Allan Taylor of The Dominion Post and WVMetroNews reported Robinson’s reasoning is related to an academic situation involving the university’s code of student conduct.
Robinson was expected to be one of the leaders for this year’s West Virginia secondary. He was second on the team behind linebacker David Long with 77 tackles in 2018. Robinson was also second in the Big 12 with four interceptions. According to Pro Football Focus, Robinson was the toughest safety for opposing teams to pass against in the Big 12.
News of the transfer was first reported by 247 Sports and SEC Network analyst Cole Cubelic.
Robinson is the second expected starter to enter the transfer portal since Neal Brown was hired in January. Wide receiver Marcus Simms is also transferring to another school.
Simms’ departure was anticipated after he missed the majority of West Virginia’s spring practices, but Robinson was present and looked to in a leadership role. In multiple post-practice press conferences, Brown noted that Robinson “practiced with a lot of energy” and stood out on the team.
Robinson’s departure would leave the Mountaineers thin in the back of the secondary. His backup at free safety is junior Sean Mahone, who was a reserve cornerback and special teams standout in his first two seasons. New arrivals Tykee Smith and Osita Smith, the two highest-rated recruits in this year’s signing class, would likely be in the mix to replace him.
Robinson is a native of Wilkinsburg, Pa., an eastern suburb of Pittsburgh.