73 Days To Purdue Football: Ken Plue

The next player in our countdown has been in Coach Hope's doghouse despite being a starter since he was a true freshman. He enters this season as one of hte most experienced offensive linesmen on the roster, but he must win his starting spot back after some disciplinary issues sent him to the second team during spring football. instead, James Shepherd saw a lot of his playing time, which is a disappointment because until now Plue has been one of the very few four-star recruits we have gotten that has actually worked out.

Ken Plue - Sr.

Hometown: Rensselaer, NY (Milford Academy)

Offensive Guard

6'7" 358 pounds

2010 Projection: Starter at right guard

Plue is a massive offensive guard that could be the best 2012 Pro prospect on our roster. No one combines his szie, strength, and experience, which makes it even more disappointing that he has been in trouble with some off the field issues. He was suspended during the Michigan State game for an "unspecified violation of team rules", giving more legs to some rumors that have been heard from various sources.

I feel somewhat responsible for him coming to Purdue, however. In early 2008 I was working a temp job with the NCAA Eligibility Center in Indianapolis. I answered the phones and any questions about eligibility for players, schools, and parents. One day Purdue called about Plue because he had not been cleared through the center yet for spring practice. It looked like he wasn't going to make it, but once we got his final transcript in from his year of prep school at Milford Academy I was able to get him approved with the last credit he needed. That allowed him to play as a true freshman in 2008, where he started the last six games at right guard.

He then started all 12 games in 2009, and 11 of 12 last season. I don't think Ralph Bolden's big 2009 came as a result of running behind Plue opening holes for him. In fact, Plue was the guy that freed him on Bolden's first big run of 2009, as you can see him clearing out two guys at the 54 second mark in the video below. that is the Plue we need in 2011.

Big Ten position rankings: Quarterbacks - Big Ten Blog - ESPN
It's time to hop back into our preseason position rankings, and today brings a look at the most visible position on the field: quarterback.

Missouri State coach compelled to help Joplin - CBSSports.com
Eye on College Basketball - Missouri State coach compelled to help Joplin. Kudos to coach Lusk for doing things the Purdue way.

Fat substitutes lead to weight gain: Purdue study | Health, Medical, and Science Updates
to tailgating!

sfl-recruiting-dolphins-7on-7: Miami Dolphins 7-on-7 notebook - Bruce Natson close to committing - South Florida Sun-Sentinel.com
Davie University School QB Gunnar Holcombe to visit Purdue on Tuesday. A quarterback by the name of Gunnar was born to be a member of the Cradle.

Chris Kramer heading to play in Puerto Rico
Chris Kramer heading to play in Puerto Rico,