With Penn State getting boned with pretty much every awful thing an athletics program could dream of, lets take some time to be thankful that our biggest problem this upcoming season is that we have a coach that is a loose cannon that no one really knows what he is thinking.
Today is a double-day, so I celebrated by going to KFC and buying a Double-Down to eat while I crank out these profiles.
Derek Jackson - Sr. (RS)
Hometown: Glan Allen, VA (Deep Run HS)
Fullback
6'2", 227 pounds
2012 Projection: Possible starter at fullback
When he first came to Purdue, Jackson was originally a linebacker but shifted over to fullback where he has played only on special teams. However, this year with Jared Crank gone we have an opening at fullback. Both Jackson and Kurt Freytag have the opportunity to win the starting job. I think that both are going to see a fair amount of action this season until one stands out as the better option. As of now, I think Freytag may have the edge since he's played the running back position before, but you never know.
In high school, Jackson was a member of the National Honor Society, which shows that academics is big in his book and I absolutely love players like that.
Collin Link - So. (RS)
Hometown: West Liberty, OH (West Liberty-Salem HS)
Linebacker
6'1", 200 pounds
2012 Projection: reserve at linebacker
Even with the addition of the 3-4 defense, Purdue is stocked up on linebackers. Collin is the younger brother of former Purdue safety Logan Link, who walked on to the Purdue squad and eventually worked his way up to a starter, so I wouldn't be shocked in Collin did the same. Collin was a great athlete in high school. He was a 4 year letter for basketball, football, and 2 for baseball. He was also defensive MVP for his final two years of high school and was second team all-Ohio.
Also, for the record I didn't actually eat a Double-Down. Enjoy the rest of the day, readers.