Danny Hope's final full recruiting class at Purdue was full of solid offensive line prospects. None of them were four or five star instant impact guys, but all were solid prospects that can pay dividends over the next few seasons. As our former offensive line coach, it is a solid gift he left behind. One of those players continues the countdown today.
J.J. Prince - Fr. (RS)
Southlake, Texas (Carroll HS)
Offensive Line
6'6", 275 pounds
2013 Projection: Reserve on offensive line
Prince doesn't have a set position yet on the line, but he has the frame to be a solid tackle or guard with a bit more size. The prototype in the Big Ten is 6'4"-6'7" and about 300 pounds, which is likely the goal. He was a three-star prospect on a team that rolled to Texas' Class 5A state championship with a 16-0 record as a senior.Carroll is such a dynasty in Texas that they have gone 131-14 since 2003 according to MaxPreps and have won four state championships.
That Carroll team was a great one. It averaged 34 points per game and beat its opponents by an average of two touchdowns. It had a good balance between the run and the pass, which will be very important under coach Hazell. He wants a good mix between both, so he needs linemen who can block for both.
It is only a matter of time before Prince has a major impact. He has the pedigree and the talent to crack the two-deeps this year and could be starting as early as next season.