Who is Ashkan Mizani? Surely he is someone more than just a name with No. 49 on the Purdue football roster. With the start of the Darrell Hazell Era exactly seven weeks from today let's learn a little bit more about one of the most unknown players on the roster.
Ashkan Mizani - Fr. (RS)
Granit Bay, California (Granite Bay HS)
6', 200 pounds
Safety
2013 Projection: Reserve at Safety
I learned a few years ago to never discount the walk-ons, especially at safety. When Landon Feichter I made a comment about him being a virtual unknown that would likely never see the field. He contacted me directly, somewhat offended by this. That unknown led the Big Ten in interceptions last year and enters this season entrenched as a starter, no on scholarship, as a junior.
So what does that mean for Mazani? Well, he is a redshirt freshman from California that was a member of the class of 2010 at Granite Bay HS. There are even some highlights of his play:
As a senior he had 65 tackles, 1 interception, and one fumble recovery for a 9-3 team. I can't seem to find why it took him two years before redshirting as a freshman last season, however. He was good enough to be on most of the major recruiting services, but received no stars.
As a walk-on he has a long road ahead of him to see the field, but it is not impossible. He has to be a hard worker and dedicated to doing the Little Things others may not. Let's see if he makes it.