JACKSON, Miss. (AP) -- Mississippi signee Jamar Hornsby's

attorney says it appears his client will be indicted Friday on

charges of felony aggravated assault and petit larceny.

Steve Farese Sr. says Hornsby will plead not guilty.

The 22-year-old safety is accused of beating a man in Starkville

on March 1 after a fender bender in a McDonald's drive-through.

Police say he used brass knuckles in the attack, which Hornsby

denies.

The charges came while Hornsby was still on probation in Florida

following his conviction of misdemeanor credit card fraud.

He faces 20 years in prison on the aggravated assault charge, if

convicted. He also could serve four years if he fails to complete

probation.

Coach Houston Nutt says he's waiting until after Friday's

hearing to decide whether Hornsby can join the team.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)