Player planted pot in teammate’s room

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Prosecutors won’t charge Jacksonville University running back Rudell Small after teammate Cecil Coltrane admitted planting more than 20 grams of marijuana in Small’s dorm room, authorities said Thursday.

Prosecutors were still investigating charges against Coltrane, State Atty. Harry Shorstein said.

Small, a freshman, was arrested last week after sheriff’s deputies acted on a tip and discovered the illegal substance in his room. He was suspended and didn’t play Saturday against Davidson.

Small maintained his innocence while school officials and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office investigated. On Tuesday, they questioned Coltrane, a junior running back who had been competing with Small for playing time.

Coltrane told authorities he planted the marijuana in Small’s room, according to a disposition statement released by the state attorney’s office. Coltrane was suspended from school and dismissed from the team, according to Jacksonville Athletic Director Alan Verlander.

Small was reinstated to the team Wednesday.

Coltrane started Jacksonville’s first two games while Small was recovering from an ankle injury. In the third game against UNC Pembroke, Small ran for 112 yards and tied a school record with five touchdowns. Coltrane gained 40 yards. Five days later, Small was arrested.