22 Days To Purdue Football: Sean Matti and Ishmael Aristide

Purdue is keeping Sean Matti on the roster throughout the season as a gesture to his honor. Therefore, we keep him here today on the numbers countdown.

Sean Matti - Sr.

Hometown: Shoreview, MN (Roseview Area HS)

Running Back

6', 233 pounds

The Matti family has been in close contact with me in the past several weeks, as has been reflected here at the site. This morning they wanted me to share his new YouTube channel featuring a few videos about his time at Purdue. I have been working with them recently on a T-shirt design that, once it it goes up for sale int he shirt shop here, the proceeds will go to his Memorial Fund. All we're waiting on is the design.

The 2011 is Sean's season, and I know the players will bust their butts to honor him.

Ishmael Aristide - So. (RS)

Hometown: Orlando, FL (Maynard Evans HS)

Safety

5'11", 199 pounds

2011 Projection: Reserve at safety

Like Ralph Bolden, many big programs were scared off of Aristide coming out of high school. He missed his entire senior season of football due to his injury, and 2009's redshirt year saw him only practice as the injury continued to heal. He hasn't been on the field in a game situation since notching 60 tackles and 16 pass break-ups as a junior in high school. I like his chances in the backfield because he is also a former basketball player as well as a state qualifier in the 100 meters with 10.7 speed.

He appeared in seven games last season as a reserve safety, notching one tackle. He has been mentioned as a player that has been very slow to recover from his knee injury, but he might finally be 100%.