When Kenrick Ellis, the Jets' third-round draft pick from 2011, was charged with a felony in April 2010, it presented a big problem. The defensive tackle was still at Hampton University at the time of his arrest, but since he’s not a US citizen -- Ellis was born in Jamaica and holds “permanent resident” status here -- a conviction of an aggravated felony could have meant deportation.

After the trial was moved to May, the verdict is nearly in for the man who recorded seven tackles in five games last season. As the NY Daily News writes, Ellis has reached an agreement to plead guilty to a misdemeanor charge of assault and battery.

It remains to be seen whether Ellis will have to serve jail time, but the Jets don’t expect him to be deported.

Ellis had been charged with a Class 3 felony after he allegedly attacked another student at Hampton. Ellis had claimed he was defending his girlfriend.

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