Former Tennessee linebacker A.J. Johnson and suspended cornerback Michael Williams have been indicted on two counts of aggravated rape each by a Knox County grand jury, according to the Knoxville News Sentinel and also confirmed by a source to Rocky Top Insider.
Williams turned himself in on Thursday afternoon and posted bond. Johnson, as of early Thursday evening, had not yet turned himself in, but the Knoxville News Sentinel confirmed via his attorney that plans are being made for him to surrender soon.
Johnson and Williams were accused of rape by a female student in November. Shortly after, the team announced that both would be suspended indefinitely. Neither returned to the program during the 2014 season.
Johnson, who has completed his eligibility, had been considered a potential top-100 NFL Draft prospect after piling up 425 tackles during his career at UT, as well as multiple All-SEC accolades. He’s been invited to the NFL Scouting Combine later this month, but his future is clearly in some degree of question going forward.
Williams, a former member of the UT track and field program, joined the Vols’ football program as a walk-on in 2013 and became a part-time starter in 2014, appearing in 10 total games and recording 23 total tackles.
Multiple reports have stated that former Vol receiver Drae Bowles and cornerback D’Andre Payne, both of whom transferred out of the program after the 2014 season, were among the grand jury witnesses.
External links with additional information:
WVLT – Knoxville
Presentment of the Indictments (via Knoxville News Sentinel)
