Louisville defensive end signee Devonte Fields, one of the nation's top junior college transfers, will have a misdemeanor assault charge dropped if he successfully completes an anger management course.
Fields (6-foot-4, 250 pounds), was the Big 12 defensive player of the year as a true freshman defensive end at TCU in 2012. But he played in just three games in 2013 because of a suspension and injuries, then was dismissed from TCU in the spring of 2014 after an arrest stemming from an incident with his former girlfriend. He played at Trinity Valley CC in Texas, then signed with Louisville in February. He is scheduled to arrive in Louisville this summer.
ESPN.com reported Monday that Fields met with prosecutors Friday and that his charges will be dismissed after he completes four anger management courses. In the meantime, his June 17 trial has been canceled.
Fields is extremely talented, and his pass-rush skills are notable. But his off-field issues have overshadowed his on-field play, and this season obviously is an important one for him.
Mike Huguenin can be reached at mike.huguenin@nfl.com. You also can follow him on Twitter @MikeHuguenin.