Purdue's Calvin Smith Facing Theft Charge

Purdue football has not had good luck recently with high profile recruits. Several players rated at four stars or higher have not panned out for the program, the latest being defensive tackle Calvin Smith. Smith, who was a high profile transfer from New Mexico before the season started, did not even make it through this season (where he was required to sit out due to NCAA transfer rules) before he was booted from the program. Smith was kicked off the team in October and now faces a theft charge committed against a teammate:

Former Purdue University defensive tackle Calvin R. Smith stole teammate Antwon Higgs' elaborate gold necklace to sell and pay off a gambling debt, court documents allege.

Smith, 20, of Hialeah, Fla., appeared before a judge Monday morning for his initial hearing. He'll be appointed a public defender.

Smith is facing a class D Felony for the theft. He is merely the latest 4-star or better recruit to fall out of favor. Al-Terek McBurse transferred after lackluster seasons at running back. Offensive lineman Ken Plue has been mysteriously suspended for every game this season after being a starter for three seasons. The highest profile case was five-star linebacker Kyle Williams, who played sparingly before being arrested in two separate assault instances. He is currently in prison in Illinois.