Utah safety suspended for three games

Utah junior Brian Blechen, who was scheduled to be the Utes' starting strong safety this season, has been suspended for the first three games of the season for a violation of team rules.

Utes head coach Kyle Whittingham announced Blechen's suspension on Monday, although he did not specify the reason.

Blechen will miss games against Northern Colorado, Utah State and BYU. He will be able to return for the Utes' Pac-12 opener against Arizona State.

In 2011, Blechen played in all 13 games, including one start, and finished third on the team in tackles with 78 and also had three interceptions.

He earned honorable mention all-Pac-12 honors.

Blechen played the first four games of the 2011 season at linebacker before being moved back to safety.