A former University of Northern Colorado football punter accused of stabbing his rival in his kicking leg, pleaded not guilty in Weld County District Court this morning.

Mitch Cozad is accused of attempted first-degree murder in the attack on fellow punter Rafael Mendoza, who told police Cozad twice tried to stab him in the chest while stabbing him in the leg, according to earlier testimony from Evans police Investigator George Roosevelt.

Mendoza was the team’s first-string punter and Cozad was a backup.

Cozad, of Wheatland, Wyo., also faces charges of second-degree assault in the Sept. 11 attack.

Mendoza told officers he was attacked as he drove up to his dorm after studying.

Cozad is free on a $500,000 bail. If convicted, he faces up to 48 years in prison.