MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Former West Virginia free safety Kenny Robinson, who entered the NCAA transfer portal in June, will forgo his two years of remaining college eligibility to enter the XFL draft, which is set for Oct. 16-17.
The Dominion Post previously reported Robinson, who was considered one of the top safeties in the Big 12 last season for the Mountaineers, was facing a possible suspension due to violating WVU’s code of student conduct for an academic issue.
Despite entering the portal, the violation would have made it difficult for Robinson to play anywhere at the college level, and he was still a year away was being able to declare for the NFL draft. That left him in a bit of limbo about playing football anywhere in 2019.
After participating in spring practice with the Mountaineers, Robinson entered the portal in June, but participated in an XFL workout a couple weeks later.
The XFL gives Robinson a chance to play football prior to being eligible for the NFL draft, which could prove to be a route other collegiate players want to take for various reasons. The XFL, rebooted by WWE Chairman Vince McMahon after falling through in 2002, is partnered by WWE. The season will begin in February 2020, comprised of eight teams with 71-man rosters.
Former West Virginia quarterback and athletic director Oliver Luck is the league’s commissioner.
All draft eligible players will be revealed Friday, with Robinson expected to be on the list.
Robinson had 77 tackles in 2018 at West Virginia, second on the team behind David Long. He was expected to be a major contributor on the back end of the defense, which through five games this season, as been filled by Sean Mahone, Tykee Smith and Kerry Martin.
