After a long stretch of defensive players and linesmen we finally come to an offensive skill player in the countdown. He is also one that had a solid contribution to last season. Jared Crank should see an expanded role this coming year within the offense.
Jared Crank - Jr. (RS)
Hometown: Richardson, TX (American Heritage HS)
Fullback
6'2", 235 pounds
2010: Projection: Starter at Fullback
Crank is an interesting type of player. He was recruited by coach Tiller to fill a role as a fullback in an offense that barely used one. In fact, he was the first true fullback we had recruited under Cowboy Joe. He appeared in six games as a redshirt freshman during Tiller's final season, but did not record any stats. This was after a high school career at three Texas high schools where he played both offense and defense.
Last season he had a much larger role as Purdue expanded its running game. He was a key lead blocker at several points in the season and even collected a few of his own stats. He had a modest 16 yards on three carries and three catches for 17 yards. One of those catches was a 13 yard catch for a touchdown against Indiana.
That is what I like to see. Any time a fullback can be a threat to catch a pass out of the backfield it is just another weapon a team must defend. Think of the number of times we ran the successful wheel route play to Jaycen Taylor and Ralph Bolden this year. Can't you see Crank doing that? Crank has already earned the spring Hammer Awward for being the best hitter on offense.
Off the field he is majoring in organizational leadership and supervision. He also enjoys playing the drums. Until Bolden return I think he will see a bigger role carrying the ball with Al-Terek McBurse, Keith Carlos, and Dan Dierking.
Boilermakings Notes:
2010 Free agents: Brad Miller, Houston Rockets agree on three-year, $15 million contract - ESPN
Not bad for a guy that was originally undrafted and got into the league eon a 10-day contract.
Eight Notre Dame football players, basketball star among 44 arrested at party
Hat tip to reader CHoffman92 for this. Looks like some suspensions for the opener may be in order.