UTM free safety Kidane McBride has been suspended for the first week of spring football practice because of a violation of team rules.

Skyhawk head football coach Matt Griffin announced McBride's suspension Wednesday morning before the team's first official practice at 4 p.m.

McBride, a 5-11, 180-pound sophomore, from Lakeland, Fla., was second on the team in tackles this past season with 55 solos and 31 assists.

The Skyhawks opened spring practice Wednesday afternoon and had 29 days to get in the NCAA mandated 15 practice opportunities, three of which must be in shorts. The Skyhawks will generally practice Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturdays.

Practice during the week begins at 4 p.m., while Saturday practices will begin at 9 a.m. The Skyhawks will practice at 4 p.m., Wednesday, April 16 and at 7 p.m., Wednesday, April 23.