HS FOOT: High-profile Crespi transfer denied eligibility

Brandon Graves, one of the Southland's brightest young football prospects, has been denied eligibility at Crespi of Encino after transferring from Los Alamitos.

Crespi is appealing via a hardship waiver, but it is not clear when the matter will be resolved.

Graves, a receiver/defensive back who has been living in the San Fernando Valley and practicing with Crespi since late June, caught 28 passes and scored one touchdown as a sophomore last season at Los Alamitos, one of California's top programs.

Graves also played varsity basketball at Los Alamitos.

If the appeal process does not go his way, Graves will be forced to sit out one year before resuming varsity participation.

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com