Andre McDonald's erratic career with the Gophers football team took another wrong turn this week, as the sophomore wide receiver was removed from the team's 105-man practice roster for the rest of preseason camp for a violation of team rules.
"The only comment I'll make is we have a team policy to follow, and right now, [McDonald's] not able to practice," Gophers coach Jerry Kill said after Saturday night's practice at TCF Bank Stadium.
Kill said he would address McDonald's status again after preseason camp. The Gophers open their season Aug. 29 against UNLV.
McDonald was a highly touted recruit coming out of Hopkins High School, but after playing last year's season opener, he missed some games because of a medical issue and was suspended for the team's bowl game because of a violation of team rules.
McDonald dropped out of school for spring semester and missed spring practice to work through some personal problems, but he went through summer school and was back with the team for the start of preseason camp.
With McDonald out of the mix and Derrick Engel healing from a sore groin, the Gophers have cranked up their efforts to convert quarterback recruit Donovahn Jones into a wide receiver.
"At [Friday's] practice, [Jones] just made three or four unbelievable football plays," Kill said. "We've spent more time with him at receiver, and we've got to sell out and get him to learn receiver; he's just too good of an athlete."
