Former WVU defensive back Jordan Scruggs commits to Maryland, utilizing new 5-for-5 ruling
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MORGANTOWN -- Former West Virginia defensive back Jordan Scruggs announced he’s transferring to Maryland via social media. Scruggs’ decision to transfer came after District Court of Colorado Judge Charlotte Sweeney issued a class-wide injunction against the NCAA, granting all 2022 athletes a fifth year of eligibility. The news comes after the NCAA changed the eligibility rules to 5-for-5, meaning athletes have five years to play five seasons, which didn’t include 2022 athletes.
Judge Sweeney clarified this doesn’t mean athletes can transfer to other schools, since the portal closed in January, but Scruggs is awaiting a new ruling allowing him to play for another school.
Scruggs intended to return to WVU, but Rich Rodriguez was hesitant to add 2022 players because of the “gray area” surrounding the issues. The Mountaineers announced that two players, tight end Jacob Barrick and corner Jason Chambers, were two players they were looking to add, while still waiting for more information. Barrick decided he’s just going to coach. Chambers is looking to play and is getting in shape.
"Jason was a starter last year for us, and is a good football player," Rodriguez said. "He's in pretty good shape. I mean, he's obviously missed a few months with our strength staff and all that, but he's a smart, competitive guy. He's played a lot of football, so he's someone that can help us."
Scruggs is looking to play for the Terrapins if he’s allowed to play. He played in 12 games last season and made 32 tackles, broke up two passes and had an interception for a touchdown against Houston. He played in 35 career games and made 20 starts. Scruggs totaled 12 pass breakups over his career. Like WVU, Maryland went 4-8 and won just one Big Ten game. Scruggs looks to improve on that if he can play.
Rodriguez still has a couple of roster spots open. He said they were still looking in the transfer portal, and even announced they are having walk-on tryouts on Thursday, Aug. 20. WVU will find someone for those spots, but it won’t be Scruggs.