51 Days to Purdue Football: Kakpindi Jamiru and Xavier Melton

Today we have double shock power. The official roster lists both Kakpindi Jamiru and Xavier Melton as wearing #51, so they are both featured today.

Kakpindi Jamiru - Fr. (RS)

Hometown: Indianapolis, IN (Cathedral HS)

Linebacker

5'9", 222 pounds

2010 projection: possible special teams contributor

Xavier Melton - Fr. (RS)

Hometown: Lakeland, FL (George Jenkins HS)

Offensive Guard

6'3, 291 pounds

2010 Projection: possible starter at guard

Let's looks at Jamiru first. Like the previously featured Robert Maci, he comes from Cathedral in Indianapolis. While there, he won state championships with the Irish in 2006 and 2008. That last season he was an All-State selection before coming to Purdue to major in aviation management. He was even named the Class 4A player of the Year in 2008, which is quite an honor for a slightly undersized linebacker.

It is that tenacity that may allow him to see the field after walking on and redshirting last season. Nat Newell at the Indy Star called him the most disruptive high school linebacker he had seen since Shaun Ellis. That could make him a special teams ace much like Frank Duong. It may not happen this year, but I think he will see the field eventually.

After a little research I found out he is a native of Sierra Leone, and his first name means "Born at Night". All of the high school stories I could find on him seem to focus on his toughness. There aren't many 5'9" linebackers in the Big Ten, but everyone seems to think he could be one. He is something of an Indiana high school football legend. He already made a mark this spring with a game high seven tackles during the scrimmage. Something tells me we will see him on the field somewhere this year.

Finally, Kakpindi is a good kid off the field. he helps to build homes for Habitat for Humanity in his free time.

As for Melton, he has moved from defensive tackle to offensive guard and is among many guys fighting to earn a starting spot opposite Ken Plue on the line. He was a 3-star commitment out of high school and is familiar with the offensive side of the ball. His high school used him like The Fridge in short yardage situations. He had three rushing two-point conversions, mostly because it is physically impossible for high school kids to stop a near 300 pound guy from gaining two yards if he has a head of steam going.

In a national combine after his sophomore year he earned a daily MVP award. That combine listed him as a dominant 1 on 1 lineman. Being in the Lakeland area he probably faced off against Will Lucas once or twice as well. He has a hard road ahead to earn a starting guard spot, but he will provide immediate depth along the offensive line.

Boilermakings Notes after The Jump

Purdue's Marve has license to lead - Big Ten Blog - ESPN
I am not alone in getting more and more excited to have Robert Marve on board.

Purdue football: Southport's Gilliam is ready for Purdue - IndySports
Here is an excellent lead on incoming freshman linebacker Joe Gilliam.

New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees wins male athlete of the year, three other ESPYS - ESPN
The honors continue for Mr. Brees...