45 Days To Purdue Football: Will Lucas

Today we feature one of my favorite young players in Will Lucas. It takes something special to make it in the Big Ten at linebacker as a true freshman. Last season Lucas came on and not only did that, but started supplanting a 6th year senior in Jason Werner.

Will Lucas -So.

Hometown: Lakeland, FL (Lakeland HS)

Linebacker

6'1", 215 pounds

2011 Projection: starter at linebacker

One of the things I like about some of the Florida players were getting is attitude. Ricardo Allen is not only a great player, he brings an attitude to the field. Lucas is the same way. He graduated high school early just so he could go through spring practice in 2010. He then came in and played from day one as a true freshman. He earned 43 tackles (three for loss), an interception, and a fumble recovery as mostly a reserve. That was good enough for 8th on the team in tackles and the second highest total (behind Allen) for a true freshman.

I expect big things from him this year. He comes from one of the most successful programs in Florida and he was a tackling machine down there. For his career he had 315 tackles and even blocked three kicks. As a senior he notched an amazing 164 tackles and was named the Bright House Defensive Player of the Year Award winner as a senior (presented to top player in Florida from Orlando area up to the northern state line), as well as Polk County Defensive Player of the Year. In 2008 he played against Gabe Holes and St. Thomas Aquinas in the Florida 5A State championship game.

My early prediction: He will be receiving as much praise after this season as Ricardo Allen received after last season.

Boilermakings Notes:

July 20, 1969: One Small Step … One Giant Leap … | This Day In Tech | Wired.com
What did your most famous alumnus do 42 years ago today?

Purdue women hope tour strengthens bond | Journal and Courier | jconline.com
The women's basketball team will tour Europe in a few weeks.

Former Purdue diver, partner finish fifth at World Championships | Journal and Courier | jconline.com
David Boudia and his partner finished 5th at the World Championships in China.