Today's featured player is one that has been in the system for a few years now and should be ready to make his mark either this year or next year. He came to Purdue as your typical developmental player, but could play this year.
LaSalle Cooks - So. (RS)
Hometown: Orlando, FL (Pine Castle Christian Academy)
Defensive Tackle
6'3", 272 pounds
2010 Projection: possible contributor at defensive tackle
I like a player like Cooks. He is a true athlete that is more than a football player. He could mesh well with Kawann Short at defensive tackle because both were members of state champion basketball teams in high school. LaSalle was also a standout track athlete. Amazingly, he was a member of his high school's 4x100 relay team. That means he is a defensive tackle with sprinter's speed, but enough strength to be a state finalist in shot put.
Cooks was one of our early 2008 recruits, as we beat out Maryland, Louisville, Wake Forest, and South Carolina. Since committing he has yet to play. That means there isn't a lot of other information out there. Sippin' On Purple in their jovial nature had him as a Name of the Week Candidate before last season's game. Eleven Warriors lists him as part of the third best defensive line in the Big Ten. With an opening next to Short I could see Cooks challenging for some playing time this year. I like the athleticism he brings to the position, so it is a matter of work ethic.
Boilermakings Note:
Coach Wooden Memorial Service To Be Streamed Live
For those of you not watching soccer on Saturday, Coach Wooden's Memorial Service will be streamed live. Coach Keady will be in attendance as we remember the life of one of the great Purdue alumni ever.