We saw the #17 jersey on the field quite a bit last year, as Aaron Valentin found the end zone more than a few times. This year, that probably won't happen much. Charles Torwudzo is a freshman receiver that might be headed toward a redshirt. Robert Harris is a walk-on kicker that is deep behind Carson Wiggs and Jonathan Linkenheimer.
Charles Torwudzo - Fr.
Hometown: Brownsburg, IN (Brownsburg HS)
Wide Receiver
6'4", 210 pounds
2010 Projection: Likely Redshirt
Chuck T in action.
I think Torwudzo is a redshirt candidate mostly because of the emergence of Justin Siller, Gary Bush, and O.J. Ross. He is one of our biggest guys, but at the end of the day I don't think there will be enough to get him in the lineup this year. I still like him to have a big impact before he leaves Purdue. He was a good basketball player at Brownsburg, even playing with Gordon Hayward and Julian Mavunga at one time. He also was a track athlete, making the regional as a long jumper and on the 4x100 relay team. All those skills should come in handy when he gets on the field.
He had a highly productive senior years with 30 catches for 470 yards and six touchdowns as Brownsburg won the sectional for the first time in 24 years. In the regional they dropped a hard fought game to eventual state champion Warren Central 14-6. Torwudzo was the first commitment for the 2010 class, and the first Indiana commit for Danny Hope ever. He also had a solid outing in this year's Indiana football All-Star game.
Robert Harris - Fr. (RS)
Hometown: Columbia, TN (Columbia Central HS)
Kicker
6', 205 pounds
2010: Projection: Reserve at kicker
Remember Casey Welch, anyone? Welch was a former walk-on kicker that hung around for five years and only got in on two plays. He kicked an extra point against Indiana State in 2006, then later had the game-winning field goal at Michigan State when Chris Summers was struggling. His patience paid off as he made the most of his very few opportunities.
That is what we may have in Robert Harris. As long as Carson Wiggs is around, he'll be the man at kicker. Jonathan Linkinheimer may kick off this year, and could take over for Wiggs once he is gone. Harris, however,will be there to wait for his turn.
Harris was a solid high school kicker down in Tennessee. He converted from soccer and lettered both sports during his time.
Boilermakings Notes:
Ranking This Season's Football Opponents by Likelihood of Victory - The Only Colors
The Only Colors takes a look at MSU's 2010 football schedule. Purdue is not in their most likely MSU wins category, so that is some nice respect.
Going out on a limb: predictions for the coming Illini football season - Hail to the Orange
What to look for in the 2010 season, and how many wins to dare to hope for.
Boiled Sports: Wednesday Morning's 1 minute look at practice
Here is yesterday's practice report, courtesy of Boiled Sports.