Ex-University of Miami defensive back pleads not guilty to 2006 murder of Bryan Pata

A former University of Miami defensive back has entered his plea in the 2006 murder of defensive lineman Bryan Pata.

Rashaun Jones, 35, pleaded not guilty Friday as he was formally charged with second-degree murder with a weapon, the Miami Herald reported Friday.

Jones had long been suspected in the November 2006 fatal shooting of Pata outside an apartment building in Kendall, about 20 miles southwest of Miami, according to the outlet.

Jones and Pata had been in conflict for weeks before the latter, who was projected to be a high NFL Draft pick, was killed just after practice at age 22, according to the paper.

Jones could still face the first-degree murder count he was originally charged on if a grand jury decides to indict, according to the outlet.

Whether the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office will presen., according to the outlet.