89 Days To Purdue Football: Jalani Phillips

Last season we saw a possible record in terms of number of true freshmen that saw action. Ricardo Allen, Bruce Gaston, Normando Harris, Ryan Isaac, Gabe Holmes, Will Lucas, Reggie Pegram, Sean Robinson, O.J. Ross, and Cody Wesbter were all players that saw time during their first season instead of redshirtting. Some could have used the redshirt, while others, like Allen and Gaston, were definitely ready to go from day 1. Today's featured player could go either way.

We don't have a ton of need at linebacker with Lucas, Chris Carlino, Dwayne Beckford, and Joe Holland already bringing a ton of experience tot he position. Mike Lee and Joe Gilliam are expected to chip in coming off of their redshirt years too. Jalani Phillips might be good enough to carve himself a role immediately.

Jalani Phillips - Fr.

Hometown: Warner Robbins, GA (Houston County HS)

Linebacker

6'4", 255 pounds

2011 Projection:  possible contributor at linebacker

Phillips has some major advantages going for him. First, he was able to enroll early and go through spring practice like Lucas did last season. Second, he is the biggest linebacker we have. This makes me think that he and Antwon Higgs could get told to put a hand in the dirt and move to defensive end. That's pure speculation at this point, but Phillips might be too good to redshirt despite the experience in front of him. Given the problems we have had at linebacker, that's not a bad thing.

His high school called him the most highly recruited prospect in his class at the school. He has speed to go with his size, and he is actually a holdover from the 2010 recruiting class as a greyshirt, giving him freshman eligibility. That's why he was able to go through spring practice already. I think he redshirts this year, but don't be surprised if he earns some playing time.

Boilermakings Notes:

'The call' stunned Lindblom | Journal and Courier | jconline.com
More on Josh Lindblom making his Major League Debut.

Student succumbs to long cancer fight - Purdue Exponent: Campus
My condolences for this brave, eternal Boiler.

Big Ten makes safe choice with Indy - Big Ten Blog - ESPN
ESPN calls the selection of Indianapolis for the Big Ten Championship game as "The safe move"

RAPHEAL DAVIS FORT WAYNE SOUTH SIDE BASKETBALL PURDUE RECRUI | Sports Video Fan
Video for 2012 commit Rapheal Davis

This week’s "In Their Own Words" blog: Purdue recruit Basil Smotherman | Recruiting Central blog | The Indianapolis Star | indystar.com
This week’s "In Their Own Words" blog: Purdue recruit Basil Smotherman

2010-11 State Finals Recap
Incoming Football player Shane Mikesky won a second straight state championship in the 110-meter hurdles this weekend. This kid is going to be a very pleasant surprise for us. Don't be shocked if he plays immediately.