In a blow to an already thin wide receiving group, the Gophers announced Monday that Devin Crawford-Tufts is sitting out the football season to focus on track and field. Here is the release from the team:

Devin Crawford-Tufts was a member of both the football and men's track and field team at Minnesota during his sophomore year in 2012-13. For the upcoming 2013-14 academic year, Crawford-Tufts will participate only in track and field and will not be a member of the football team.

"Devin and I have met multiple times over the past couple of months, and he has decided to focus on track and field for the upcoming season," said Minnesota coach Jerry Kill. "Devin is a fine young man. We wish him well and will be rooting for him."

Crawford-Tufts made 24 catches for 345 yards in 21 career games for the Gophers. His lone touchdown reception came against Texas Tech in the Meineke Car Care Bowl last season. Crawford-Tufts, who was a Minnesota state champion in the 100 and 200 meters in high school, joined the track and field team in February 2013. He went on to finish fourth at the Big Ten Championships in 60 meters.