This isn't a real shocker, but linebacker Wardell Crutchfield, formerly the second commit in UTEP's 2011 football recruiting class has officially committed to Georgetown. Fred Robledo, of the San Gabriel Valley Tribune, has the full story here. Robledo reported earlier in the week that UTEP pulled the scholarship offers to two Baldwin Park commits, Crutchfield and defensive back Demetrius Jackson, in hopes the pair would grayshirt and join the Miners football team next spring.
The story prompted UTEP linebackers coach Robert Rodriguez to tweet "Anyone who knows Mike Price knows that he would NEVER just pull a kids scholly a week before signing day." The tweet has since been deleted. Robledo notes today that Crutchfield and Jackson were told by UTEP coaches that they "didn't have enough scholarships for him to enroll in the fall."
Over the last several weeks, UTEP has signed or received verbal commitments from seven junior college transfers. Those players will all become eligible next season which would explain why UTEP is short on scholarships. The 2011 class is starting to tighten up as National Signing Day approaches next Wednesday.
The report also states that Jackson has "backed out of his commitment" to UTEP and will visit Portland State this week. Both Jackson and Crutchfield carry 4.0 grade point averages. So, the duo from Baldwin Park won't be Miners next fall or spring. Here's hoping them the best wherever they land.