Baylor grants releases to 5 signees in 2016 class

Baylor announced Thursday it has granted scholarship releases to the five signees in the 2016 recruiting class who made such requests prior to May 31.

The move comes about three weeks after reports emerged suggesting the Bears may not allow the incoming freshmen to find new homes. The players asked for permission to go elsewhere amid the fallout from the school's sexual assault scandal.

"I wanted the opportunity to talk with our signees and their families before providing any releases," interim head coach Jim Grobe stated. "This has never been about whether or not we would ultimately provide individuals with a release; we simply asked that we go through the process outlined by the NLI, take some time and have the chance to speak with the student-athletes and their parents. I've enjoyed those opportunities to meet with these families and wish each individual success in all that they do in life."

Baylor did not name the released players, but sources told ESPN's Gerry Hamilton that the freed players are offensive guard Patrick Hudson, offensive tackle J.P. Urquidez, defensive back Parrish Cobb, running back Kameron Martin, and athlete Donovan Duvernay.

Of those five, two were listed on the ESPN 300 as four-star recruits, while one other had a four-star rating but wasn't on the ESPN 300.

Four-star wide receiver Jared Atkinson, a member of the ESPN 300, also reportedly sought his release, but has decided to stick with the Bears, according to Hamilton and ESPN colleague Mark Schlabach.

All five of the freed players can now enroll anywhere without penalty, meaning they'll be eligible to play as true freshmen.