BROOKINGS – South Dakota State head coach John Stiegelmeier announced Tuesday that two members of the Jackrabbit football team face suspension for the first six games of the season due to violation of team rules.
“In any successful family there are rules that need to be followed and enforced. SDSU Football is a successful family and because of some rule infractions, Matt Clark and Makiah Slade have been suspended,” Stiegelmeier said.
Both juniors, Clark and Slade will continue to be involved in all other team-related activities, including practice. They will be eligible to return to the lineup Oct. 21, when the Jackrabbits travel to Missouri State.
Clark, a 6-foot-5, 330-pound offensive lineman from Syracuse, Neb., started all 13 games for the Jackrabbits last season. He played in a reserve role in all 12 games as a true freshman in 2015.
Slade, a 6-1, 200-pound safety from Lincoln, Neb., played in all 13 games a year ago, tallying 38 tackles, two interceptions and a fumble recovery. He appeared in all 12 games as a redshirt freshman in 2015, recording seven tackles.
The nationally ranked Jackrabbits open the 2017 season Thursday, Aug. 31, by playing host to Duquesne at Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.
