One of the most exciting players in the 2013 recruiting class is the focus of today's profile.
Dalyn Dawkins - Fr.
Louisville, Kentucky (Trinity HS)
5'9", 175 pounds
Running Back
2013 Projection: Contributor at running back
How much Dawkins contributes at running back in 2013 remains to be seen. You have Akeem Hunt and Brandon Cottom in established roles already. Robert Gregory has impressed many with his willingness to be a punishing runner. Those three give Purdue some solid options, but Dawkins, along with Keyante Green, are both exciting freshmen that may make an impact immediately. Dawkins has also been mentioned as a potential punt returner and special teamer.
Dawkins was a 4-star commitment according to Scout.com, one of several freshmen that coach Hazell landed that were four-stars by at least one recruiting service. Last year he ran for 1,479 yards and 18 touchdowns for an extremely good Louisville Trinity team that won its third straight (and 21st overall) state championship. He was also an excellent receiver out of the backfield with 38 receptions for 367 yards and five more touchdowns. In 2011 as a junior Dawkins was the featured back on a team that Rivals and Sports Illustrated labeled as the best in the country with a mythical high school national championship.
While that should get you excited, Purdue has two other players from this championship program. Joey Warburg and Jesse Schmitt were both HS teammates of Dawkins at one point in time, so we have a solid pipeline going now at this school.