Jeff Maree, a reserve defensive back for...

Jeff Maree, a reserve defensive back for USC’s football team, pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of false imprisonment in connection with an incident involving a former girlfriend last December.

Maree, 23, entered his plea before Superior Court Judge Robert Martinez in Pomona.

Maree, from Middlesex, N.J., had been charged with felony kidnapping after allegedly forcing his way into his former girlfriend’s car Dec. 2 and forcing her to drive him from El Monte to Pasadena.

The misdemeanor charge of false imprisonment was added later, and the felony charge is expected to be dismissed at Maree’s sentencing April 4.