TUSCALOOSA, Ala. _ University of Alabama coach Nick Saban announced that senior linebacker Trey DePriest will not play in the Crimson Tide’s season opener against West Virginia on Saturday due to a “minor NCAA violation.”

Saban didn’t provide any details, but called it a “One-game thing.”

Sophomore Reuben Foster will fill in at middle linebacker alongside junior Reggie Ragland at weakside linebacker. It’ll be the first start for both players. Backing them up will be true freshman Shaun Dion Hamilton and junior Dillon Lee.

Lee had been working as the starting strongside linebacker (Sam) before last week. Instead, junior Denzel Devall will line up there with Xzavier Dickson taking Devall’s former spot at Jack, the hybrid linebacker/defensive end position in Saban’s scheme.

Regardless, Saban said Alabama will be a nickel defense for more than 70 percent of the time against the Mountaineers, which means pulling the Sam in favor of an extra defensive back.

“We’re not too much worried about it,” Devall said. “We have great personnel and players. We’ll be ready.”

DePriest’s knee injury at the start of training camp indirectly helped Alabama prepare for his absence as it gave the other players extra reps. Last year he was suspended before the start of training camp.

DePriest was a preseason All-SEC selection by both the media and coaches. He’s played played in 40 games, with 26 starts. This past season he had 65 tackles, 7½ for a loss, two sacks, two fumble recoveries and one interception.

Saban also announced that sophomore cornerback Eddie Jackson, who sustained a knee injury requiring surgery in the spring, would be available Saturday, but coaches will still be cautious with him.

“He’s made a lot of progress the last seven to 10 days,” Saban said.