Michigan Wolverines senior defensive lineman Mazi Smith was charged with a felony on November 30th for carrying a concealed weapon without a permit. The charge stems from an incident on October 7th, but little else is known about the case. The official court filing is very light on details.

If convicted, Smith could face a prison sentence of up to five years, and a fine of up to $2,500.

A senior from East Kentwood High School in Grand Rapids, MI, Mazi Smith has started 26 games for Michigan. He was one of five players elected as a captain before the season. And he was just named to the All-Big Ten First Team Defensive team.

Smith has played in every game for the Wolverines this season, recording 43 tackles. That includes a contest against the Indiana Hoosiers on October 8th, the day after the alleged offense.

On Thursday afternoon, Michigan released an official statement with comments from Athletic Director Warde Manuel and Head Football Coach Jim Harbaugh.

“Based on the information communicated to us, we will continue to allow the judicial process to play out,” Manuel said. “Mazi will continue to participate as a member of the team.”

Harbaugh added “Mazi’s character and the trust that he has earned over the past four years will continue to be considered throughout the process.”

Details are still emerging, but it appears Mazi Smith will participate in the Big Ten Football Championship Game. The Michigan Wolverines face the Purdue Boilermakers at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 3rd.

Woodward Sports will provide updates when new information becomes available.

Update 2:35pm:

Per David Jesse of Freep.com, Washtenaw County Prosecutor Eli Savit told the Free Press that the long delay in pressing a felony concealed weapon charge against star Michigan football player Mazi Smith was “wholly unremarkable,”

Also per David Jesse, Washtenaw County magistrate Elisha Fink arraigned Smith on Thursday afternoon. She granted him a personal recognizance bond and allowed him to travel out-of-state with U-M’s football team, which clears him for the Big Ten championship and the possible College Football Playoff.

(AP Photo/Paul Sancya)