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Army is expected to be one of the worst teams in the country this upcoming season and one of Army West Point's few bright spots on defense may not make it to opening day.
Sal Interdonato reports that junior cornerback Josh Jenkins was involved in an altercation with another West Point cadet during the Fourth of July weekend.
According to a statement released by Army, Jenkins went off post to a restaurant or bar and the fight occurred near his barracks.
Statement by Army Public Affairs Office on cornerback Josh Jenkins. pic.twitter.com/jIKmFIqF9r
— Sal Interdonato (@salinterdonato) July 17, 2015
It may be too early to speculate and the investigation could prove Jenkins wasn't responsible for the incident, but there is some bad news to go along with that.
He was injured during the fight. Interdonato also reported that Jenkins sustained a head injury and was taken to the Keller Army Community Hospital on post, but was transferred approximately 40 minutes away to Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla, NY.
West Point will investigate the incident, however it could prove costly for Jenkins and the football team. If Jenkins is disciplined or dismissed from the team or academy, the Black Knights will be without their best cornerback and one of five returning defensive starters.
Jenkins was second on the team with 64 tackles (four for a loss). He led the team with four interceptions and defended eight passes in 2014. He recorded 34 tackles, two interceptions, and six defended passes with one forced fumble as a freshman in 2013.
Jenkins was also a key special teams player last season as he returned 26 kicks for 462 yards and eight punts for 37 yards.
With Jenkins, it would be a struggle for Army to win 5-6 games, without him the struggle becomes winning even their easiest games.
UPDATE: The altercation was between Jenkins and teammate junior rush linebacker Seth Combs, who was thrown off the team for the incident after being listed as a starter, according to Sal Interdonato.
Now Army faces the reality of losing Combs due to his actions and possibly Jenkins to injury in light of these events.
However, Jenkins remains the crucial loss as his defensive play and special teams work were pivotal to the Army team while Combs made three tackles last season.