A totally non related Purdue statement to start us off...This heat is the worst and has caused me nothing but suffering and chaffing.
Our featured player on this miserably hot Saturday is another one of Danny Hope's "lets move this guy from o-line to d-line" experiments. However, I think this is a good call and has given us depth on the line, which was greatly needed at the time. Now we have another enormous body protecting our quarterback...whoever that may be.
Eric McDaniel- Jr. (redshirt)
Hometown: Calhoun, GA (Calhoun High)
Offensive Guard
6'2", 285 pounds
2012 Projection: Reserve on the offensive line.
As I said earlier, McDaniel originally came to Purdue as a highly talented defensive tackle and was actually one of Hope's highest ranked recruits in the class; ranking at 3 stars. But because of our success at the defense tackle position with Kawann Short and Bruce Gaston, McDaniel rarely saw playing time. Hope then had McDaniel switch to the offensive line because we were so thin at the time. I think this was actually not one of Hope's worst decisions, we needed a big body and depth and that is exactly what McDaniel has given us.
Look for McDaniel to get limited action this year, unless we have an injury or two. But once Rick Schmeiq graduates after this season, the starting center spot is McDaniel's for the taking. McDaniel is a hard worker, and guys like that always have a bright future.