40 Days To Purdue Football: Derek Jackson and Collin Link

Today begins a run of days where two players share a number, so the updates will have double-shock power! It is also Day 40, meaning a happy smile and some Mike Alstott memories.

Derek Jackson - Jr. (RS)

Hometown: Glan Allen, VA (Deep Run HS)

Fullback

6'2", 223 pounds

2011 Projection: reserve at fullback

Derek began his Purdue career at linebacker but has shifted over to fullback, where he saw action in six games last season without recording any statistics. Most of his action was on special teams, as senior Jared Crank has the fullback position locked down. Jackson could see a little more time this year as he is more accustomed to the offense.

Jackson is a computer technology major that is also a pretty good basketball player. In high school he was a member of National Honor Society, therefore giving us another player that understands the value of academics. While in high school he helped Deep Run to a 12-1 record in 2006 and 6-4 record as a senior. Their run in the state playoffs in 2006 lasted three games. His school was nice enough to record his signing day ceremony as well.

Collin Link - Fr. (RS)

Hometown: West Liberty, OH (West Liberty-Salem HS)

Linebacker

6'1", 200 pounds

2011 Projection: reserve at linebacker

We're quite well stocked at the linebacker position, but don't be surprised if Colin Link is playing within a few years. He is a walk-on, but his brother, Logan Link, clawed his way up from walk-on status to two-year starter at safety. Collin is an all-around athlete, winning four football letters, four basketball letters, and two baseball letters at his high school. He was defensive MVP in football his last two years as well as a second team all-Ohio selection. His team was 11-1 and a conference champion that season before losing in the state playoffs.

Boilermakings Notes:

Very early look at preseason Fab 15 | Recruiting Central blog | The Indianapolis Star | indystar.com
Very early look at preseason Fab 15 with Ronnie Johnson, Basil Smotherman, Gary Harris, and other top targets leading some top Indy-area teams.

Landry: Johnson, Moore are NBA ready - Boston Celtics Blog - ESPN Boston
Carl Landry thinks JaJuan Johnson and E'Twaun Moore are NBA ready.Considering he attended the same school, Carl Landry may

Painter's 'Magnificent Seven' poised to keep Purdue among elite | Journal and Courier | jconline.com
Seven committed players over the next two years. Will they finally get us to the promised land?