We’re at the penultimate day of the countdown, and that means I get to use cool words like penultimate.
Elijah Sindelar – Fr. (RS)
Princeton, KY (Caldwell County HS)
6’4”, 226 pounds
Quarterback
2016 Projection: Backup quarterback
My hope is that Sindelar gets his first career action on Saturday in a good way. I want Purdue to be far enough ahead in the fourth quarter that Sindelar comes on to get some experience without the pressure of “He has to replace David Blough”. Sindelar was a 4-star recruit according to ESPN and will be the favorite player of everyone if Blough struggles.
Sindelar had a great high school career too. He was Mr. Football in the state of Kentucky and threw 93 touchdown passes in his final two seasons. He finished with 144 in his career as he played a lot even as a freshman. He finished with 12,637 yards passing in his four years to establish a new Kentucky state record.
Sindelar even has his requisite ACL tear out of the way, as he tore his on his final play in high school.
Da’Wan Hunte – Jr.
Miami, FL (Miami Central HS)
5’9”, 188 pounds
Cornerback
2016 Projection: Starting cornerback
Hunte became a starting corner almost by default because he was the lone returning corner with experience. He is considered to be Purdue’s best DB, but he is now questionable for the weekend with an ankle injury.
Hunte was primarily a reserve the last two seasons and played in 17 of a possible 24 games. He had only one start, however. Last year he finished with 18 tackles, two sacks, and a forced fumble. He has improved and should be fine as Purdue’s top corner, but at only 5’9” I am concerned about matchups with bigger receivers.