Isom suspended indefinitely, Brandt released

Freshman running back Daquan Isom runs with the ball during SIU's 38-31 overtime victory against Youngstown State University during the homecoming game Oct. 24 at Saluki Stadium. (DailyEgyptain.com file photo)

Freshman running back Daquan Isom runs with the ball during SIU’s 38-31 overtime victory against Youngstown State University during the homecoming game Oct. 24 at Saluki Stadium. (DailyEgyptain.com file photo)

By Brent Meske, @brentmeskeDE

SIU football released senior defensive end Adam Brandt and suspended freshman running back Daquan Isom indefinitely Monday morning. 

Isom was issued a notice to appear by police for possession of less than 30 grams of marijuana on Oct. 25, according to the Department of Public Safety 60-Day crime log. 

The incident was reported by police at 1:29 a.m. in the parking lot adjacent to the west side of the Towers. 

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Isom leads the team with 1,149 all-purpose yards this season. He is second on the team with 403 net rushing yards, two rushing touchdowns and three receiving touchdowns. He is third on the team with 340 receiving yards. 

In Monday’s press conference, coach Dale Lennon said Isom failed to report the situation. Lennon said he needs to be the first person told in situations like these. 

“Unfortunately, this situation is something that warrants public attention,” he said. “Daquan needs to learn a lesson.” 

Lennon said Isom will practice with the scout team during his suspension.

“I wasn’t [notified] and that doesn’t sit well,” he said. “There’s a chance he may not see the field this year. That can’t happen. … For me to find out by seeing it in a newspaper, not good.” 

Lennon said freshman running back Chris Perkins and redshirt freshman Jonathan Mixon will become more viable after the suspension and sophomore running back Cameron Walter, may receive more playing time. He did not say who the starter will be. 

Brandt has started 17 games in his career and is 13th on the team with 20 total tackles this season. 

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Lennon said Brandt was released from the team for violation of team rules and personal issues. 

“It’s what we needed to do,” he said. 

Brandt has had four criminal cases in the Jackson County court system: May 14, 2013 for driving without a seat belt; Nov. 1, 2014 for driving under the influence, in which he pleaded guilty, and driving without a headlight; and Feb. 21 for theft of less than $300, in which he also pleaded guilty, according to court documents. 

Lennon said Brandt was disciplined for the previous offenses. 

“He knew this would be the last straw type thing where there would not be any more second chances,” Lennon said. 

Lennon said senior outside linebackers Calvin Belts and Blake Mattson are hopeful to return for Saturday’s game at 1 p.m. in Vermilion, S.D., against South Dakota. 

Isom and Brandt both played in SIU’s 35-29 home loss to No. 6 North Dakota State on Oct. 31. 

Brent Meske can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @brentmeskeDE

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