Sep 12, 2015; Morgantown, WV, USA; Liberty Flames running back D.J. Abnar (2) and West Virginia Mountaineers safety Karl Joseph (8) exchange words after a play during the second quarter at Milan Puskar Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ben Queen-USA TODAY Sports
West Virginia will be without one of its top players for the remainder of the season after standout safety Karl Joseph suffered a knee injury during a non-contact drill in practice on Tuesday.
The Mountaineers announced Wednesday that Joseph, a senior who was a first-team All-Big 12 player in 2014, has played his last college game.
Joseph was tied for the FBS lead in interceptions with five. Three of those came in West Virginia’s season opener against Georgia Southern. He was named the Big 12 player of the week and national player of the week by the Football Writers Association of America after his performance in that game.
“I am devastated and heartbroken for Karl,” West Virginia coach Dana Holgorsen said in a statement. “He is a young man who has given everything he has to our football program and university over the past four years and who elected to return to WVU for his senior season to earn his degree and to be a part of something special with this team. He exemplifies what it means to be a Mountaineer.”
Joseph is listed as the No. 4 strong safety prospect in 2016 by NFLDraftScout.com.
“Karl is an All-American, a fierce competitor, a leader and I know he will have a full recovery, and I can’t wait to watch him on Sundays next fall,” Holgorsen said.
Joseph started 42 games during his career and logged 284 tackles, 16 1/2 tackles for loss, two sacks, nine interceptions, 14 pass breakups, eight forced fumbles and six fumble recoveries.
“I want to thank my teammates and my coaches for their outpouring of support,” Joseph said. “This has been difficult for me and my family, but I know I will come through this stronger than ever. I will forever be a Mountaineer and will be cheering on our team every step of the way.”
West Virginia plays Oklahoma State on Saturday at home in a Big 12 game.
