DETROIT -- Michigan's Marlin Jackson, the Big Ten preseason defensive player of the year, was charged with felony assault.

A warrant on charges of felonious assault and aggravated assault was filed Thursday in Washtenaw County Court, first assistant prosecutor Konrad Siller said Friday.

Siller wouldn't discuss what led to the charges.

"The allegations against Marlin Jackson are serious," Michigan football coach Lloyd Carr said through a spokesman.

Ann Arbor Police Det. David Monroe said the department would not comment until the arraignment next week.

If convicted of the felony, Jackson could face up to four years in prison and a $2,000 fine.

The junior from Sharon, Pa., had 98 tackles and six interceptions in his first two years with the Wolverines and was a second-team All-American last year.

He has started in 20 games, more than any current Michigan defensive player.