MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia senior cornerback Icky Banks is dealing with an academic eligibility issue that could sideline him this season, a source told MetroNews on Monday.

The source, who has knowledge of the situation, spoke on condition of anonymity because the program has not issued a statement regarding Banks’ status.

A 12-game starter last season, Banks was absent from the media’s viewing session at Thursday’s practice, nor did the fifth-year senior participate in Saturday’s scrimmage.

After the scrimmage, defensive coordinator Tony Gibson and cornerbacks coach Brian Mitchell deferred all questions about Banks to head coach Dana Holgorsen. Neither coach referenced Banks when asked about the position battle that now appears to be between Terrell Chestnut and Travis Bell.

Banks and safety Karl Joseph were the lone defensive returnees who started every game last season.

Sophomore Daryl Worley, a budding standout at the opposite cornerback, called Banks the team’s most fundamentally sound corner and a calming influence.

“I’m still learning from him,” Worley said two weeks ago. “There’s times when I feel myself getting overwhelmed and angry with myself and he can calm me down.

“In last year’s Texas game, there was a miscommunication where I ended up not getting the call and they scored on my side of the ball. Icky saw me on the sideline and he pulled me aside and told me it wasn’t my fault to go out there and make the next play.”

A native of Richmond, Va., Banks has appeared in 36 games at West Virginia while making 16 starts.