A jury found former Northern Colorado backup punter Mitch Cozad guilty of second-degree assault Thursday in a stabbing attack on the starter, but acquitted him of attempted first-degree murder.
Cozad was accused of attacking Rafael Mendoza in a desperate bid to get the starting job. The defense argued it was another student who attacked Mendoza.
The assault charge carries a penalty of up to 16 years in prison.
Jury Finds Backup Punter Guilty