MELBOURNE, Fla. -- Florida Tech's backup quarterback was arrested on drug charges Friday during a traffic stop on campus.

  • Backup quarterback for FIT arrested on drug charges
  • Brandon Ziarno charged with marijuana possession
  • Ziarno was pulled over on campus, Melbourne Police say

Brandon Ziarno, 21, was pulled over by Melbourne Police on suspicion of running a stop sign on Country Club Road. During the stop, officers said they smelled marijuana coming from the vehicle.

The FIT junior was charged with possession of 20 grams of cannabis, plus possession with intent to sell.

"We are just at the start of this process, but this is a matter that I, Coach Englehart and university leadership take very seriously," Athletics Director Bill Jurgens said in a released statement. "We understand both the gravity of the charges and that Brandon is at a critical juncture in his young life, and we will move forward accordingly."

Ziarno was suspended from all team activities during an athletics department investigation but was removed from the team Wednesday, June 13, FIT said.

In 2016, Florida Tech starting quarterback Mark Cato was charged with DUI after crashing into a Melbourne home. Cato was suspended for the remainder of that football season.