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High School Football Star Arraigned On Assault Charges

DETROIT (WWJ) - Cass Tech High school football star Jayru Campbell has been arraigned on felony assault and misdemeanor charges.

Campbell, 17, appeared via video, late Wednesday morning in 36th District Court in Detroit.

Jayru Campbell
Jayru Campbell

Bond was set at $5,000/10 percent.

"I think the bond was reasonable," said Campbell's attorney, Jeffery Edison. "I understand the judge had to set a bond, so we have no problems with the bond. Mr. Campbell looks forward to making the bond and being with his family, and supporters and friends."

Campbell, a junior, is considered one of the top high school quarterbacks in Michigan and had committed to play at Michigan State University in 2015. He is accused of picking up the male security guard and slamming him to the floor on Jan. 22 the high school hallway.

The security guard suffered a facial injury in the open wound to the head, according to prosecutors.  The alleged assault was captured on video, which will be presented as evidence in the case. [Watch the video HERE].

"It's been very difficult," Edison told reporters. "You know, Mr. Campbell is a very compassionate young man. He obviously is concerned about what happened that day."

However, Edison added, "When you look at the circumstances of that day, it certainly is our position that he should not be criminalized ... He is extremely remorseful for whatever took place ... but he's ready to move forward."

Campbell was expected to be released on bond, and will be back in court for a preliminary hearing on Feb. 24.

Meantime, a community activist is speaking out against the charges.

David Alexander Bullock, founder of Change Agent Consortium, believes the felony charge was an overreach.

"Amid the public scrutiny he is facing during this predicament we must remember he is a youth — a high school student," Bullock said in a statement. "Actions have consequences and Jayru must be held accountable; however, a felony charge seems excessive. This mistake should not end his football aspirations or his academic future… In this climate of locking youth up instead of lifting them up it is my hope that Jayru Campbell will not become another statistic, but will become a success story."

MORE: MSU Football Recruit Charged With Assault In Alleged Body Slamming

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