Bennett, Rashada and Skinner are defensive backs. Turner was listed at linebacker, and Harris is a wide receiver.

Harris was the only one of the six to play for BYU this season. Crowton effectively suspended the other five when he announced just before the season's first game that they would redshirt, or sit out the season.

Harris caught 17 passes for 149 yards. He also gained eight yards on two running plays and returned four kicks for 65 yards.

The news came as a shock to Bennett's mother, who learned Friday afternoon from the Deseret Morning News that police in Texas were looking for her son.

"I haven't heard anything," she said. "They haven't called us. I don't believe it's against my child."

She said her son has never told her his side of the story.

Mathis did not return a message left on his cell phone. Other players could not be reached for comment.

Don Harwell, president of the support group for black Mormons called Genesis, was also surprised when he heard the news. Harwell has talked to several of the players and their families since the allegations surfaced.

"Oh, this is bad," he sighed. "It's frightening. If these kids get found guilty they're gonna be put away for a long time."

The alleged victim's parents released a letter to the media, thanking local law enforcement officials and BYU Honor Code investigators.

"We realize this case is far from over but continue to hope and pray for the truth to be made known and for justice be swift," the statement read. "We look forward to the day when all of this is behind us."

The couple also praised their daughter for her courage to step forward in spite of the public scrutiny she has endured. She testified at Thursday's grand jury proceedings.

It was the first time in 14 years a grand jury has been convened in Utah County. Bryson said his office began considering the use of a grand jury at the onset of the investigation to minimize the number of times the victim would have to testify.

He also said the convening of the grand jury — which can take weeks — explains why charges weren't filed sooner.

Some local defense attorneys were surprised the state used a grand jury in this case and were skeptical of the indictments.

"You could indict a door bell through a grand jury," attorney Shelden Carter said. "It's so easy; you just give them what they want. And there's nobody there looking out for the defendants at all. So it's a walk-through for the state."

He also said it puts the defense team at a disadvantage because, without a preliminary hearing, they can't see the state's evidence or evaluate their witnesses.