Two members of the Iowa football team were arrested early this morning on drug-related charges.

James Lee Cleveland, a 19-year-old wide receiver from Baytown, Texas, and Arvell Nelson, a 19-year-old back-up quarterback and wide receiver from Cleveland, Ohio, were taken into custody by Iowa campus police after officers said they found marijuana and prescription drugs in the athletes' dormitory room.

Police reports allege that Cleveland, the Hawkeyes' second-leading receiver in catches last season, has been charged with a drug tax stamp violation, a Class D felony, and two counts of unlawful possession of prescription drugs, both serious misdemeanors.

The police reports indicate that a search of Cleveland's desk in that room found 21 units of oxycodone, a prescription pain reliever, and 24 doses of carisoprodol, a muscle relaxant. Cleveland acknowledged that the pills — for which no label or prescription was found — were his, according to the complaint.

Cleveland faces up to seven years in prison, if convicted. Nelson would face up to a year in prison.

The police report also states that Nelson was arrested for marijuana possession, a serious misdemeanor, after police found marijuana on his desk.

Cleveland, a 6-foot-1, 195-pound redshirt freshman, finished second on the team in catches in 2007, with 36 for 464 yards. He started 11 games last season.

Nelson played sparingly at quarterback and wide receiver last year, but was expected to challenge for the starting quarterback position this spring.

The charges are the latest in a string of 13 Iowa players arrested during the last year.

Nelson and Cleveland also have each previously pleaded guilty to operating motor vehicles without valid licenses, according to Iowa online court records.

Iowa football officials could not be reached for comment. Phil Haddy, sports information director, said Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz and university athletic director Gary Barta are out of town until March 4 on the annual Hawkeye cruise.

"We don't know all the facts at this time ...," Haddy said. "When they return, they will look at the facts and see if action needs to be taken."