Preliminary hearing for trial of three Virginia football players set for April 5

The preliminary hearing for the trial of three Virginia football players who allegedly were involved in a physical confrontation at an off-campus apartment complex near James Madison University in late January has been set for April 5, according to the Rockingham/Harrisonburg General District Court clerk's office.

Redshirt sophomore linebacker Ausar Walcott, sophomore cornerback Devin Wallace (Friendly) and sophomore center Mike Price each are facing three misdemeanor charges of assault and battery by mob and one felony count of burglary-entering a dwelling with the intent to commit an assault. The accused were advised of the charges brought against them during an advisement hearing Monday morning.

If found guilty, the three players face up to 36 months in jail and/or up to a $7,500 fine for the three misdemeanor charges, according to the Rockingham/Harrisonburg Commonwealth's attorney's office.

The Commonwealth's attorney's office said a guilty verdict on the felony count could lead the three players to confinement in a state correctional facility for not less than one and not more than 20 years, or up to 12 months in jail and/or up to a $2,500 fine. The severity of the punishment would be at the discretion of the judge that presides over the case or a jury.

Walcott, Wallace and Price have been suspended indefinitely from the Virginia football team by coach Mike London.