37 days to kickoff brings us to another double dip, where today we'll focus on a possible special teams starter and a new addition to the Boilermakers roster.
Paul Griggs - So.
Charlotte, NC (Charlotte Latin)
6'1", 200 pounds
Kicker
2013 Projection: Possible Starter at Kicker
First up today we have Paul Griggs. Griggs came to West Lafayette last year ranked as one of the best high school kickers in the country. Scout and Rivals bestowed the 3-star rating on Griggs, while listing him as the No. 3 and No. 5 kicker in the nation, respectively.
Griggs saw the field as a freshman, splitting time with fellow first year Sam McCartney. Griggs went 4 of 7 on field goal attempts last year, including a 46-yard season long field goal as time expired to give the Boilermakers a win over Iowa on Nov. 10. The 2012 season also saw Griggs go 16 of 18 on PAT attempts last year.
The starting kicker position once again appears up for grabs this year as both Griggs and McCartney head into 2013 with an eye on the job. Griggs has the leg to beat out McCartney (McCartney attempted no field goal longer than 36 yards), but can he get the accuracy to go along with it? May the best man win, but don't be surprised to see some more split time at kicker this year.
Tre Rowe - Fr.
Reynoldsburg, OH (Reynoldsburg)
5'9", 170 pounds
Defensive Back
2013 Projection: Redshirt at DB
Rowe appears to be a late addition to the Boilermakers roster. After receiving an offer from Toledo earlier this year as a high school senior, and it appears accepting the offer, he is now listed in Purdue's 2013 Media Guide. Rowe was listed as a 2-star cornerback and also received interest from various other MAC schools and West Virginia. I'm not sure what transpired between Rowe and Toledo or if Coach Hazell offered him a scholarship or if he is walking on. Either way we're glad to have him on board.
Here is Rowe's highlight tape:
Tre Rowe 2011 Highlights (via raiderrecruiting)