Today we have another double feature with a pair of players that have walked on to the roster during the past few seasons. First, we have Kurt Freytag.
Kurt Freytag - Fr. (RS)
Hometown: Carmel, IN (Carmel HS)
Fullback
6'2", 237 pounds
2010 Projection: reserve at fullback
Freytag was a champion at one of the best schools in the state for football..
When Freytag was plying his trade at Carmel high school we were more excited to be getting his teammate, Jordan Brewer. We were also recruiting Morgan Newton, his quarterback. Newton eventually went to Kentucky, while Brewer did not qualify academically. Freytag decided to walk-on at Purdue after winning a state title with the Greyhounds in 2007 and being a runner-up in 2006 and 2008. He brings a winner's attitude to the program, playing for a team that has played in the last four state championship games in Indiana. He was also a high school teammate of John Finch.
With players like Dan Dierking and Jared Crank ahead of him at fullback I can see him not playing much this year, but I would bet he can contribute either as a fullback or on special teams before his career is over. He was moved to tight end briefly, but moved back to fullback this spring. In his final high school game he had a touchdown and 30 yards rushing as Carmel blew a 19 point fourth quarter lead.
Freytag is a movement and sports science major. Both of his parents, a grandfather, and two uncles are Purdue graduates as well.
Kevin Ballinger - Jr.
Hometown: Bluffton, IN (Bluffton HS)
Long Snapper
6'3", 213 pounds
2010 Projection: reserve at long snapper
Something tells me Danny Hope doesn't allow face paint like this.
The other #46 is a player I didn't even know was on the roster. Ballinger joined the team as a walk-on last season, but did not play. He will likely be behind John Finch at long snapper this year, and probably even Jesse Schmitt who was recruited as a long snapper. While still at Bluffton HS Ballinger was an excellent student and won the Bob Ulmer Memorial Award in Track. He had more success as a basketball player, where Bluffton was one of the better Class 2A teams in the state before losing to Deshaun Thomas and Ft. Wayne Luers in the sectional every year.
Boilermakings Notes after The Jump:
Big Ten media days player list revealed - Big Ten Blog - ESPN
Keith Smith, Ryan Kerrigan, and Robert Marve will be at the event, while Keith Smith will speak. I'll be attending as well.
Big Ten Icons - Big Ten Icons Bobblethon
This is where you can vote for Drew to win the Big Ten ICONS thing.
Boiled Sports: Blue Ribbon All-Big Ten Features Two Boilers
Keith Smith and Ryan Kerrigan get first-team all-Big Ten nods.
Key stretch: Purdue - Big Ten Blog - ESPN
Adam Rittenberg takes a look at the key stretch of our season.