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National Signing Day will be an interesting one for Purdue fans. After the worst season in school history Darrell Hazell is expected to sign a class that, on paper, has few standout names. A big name could still drop on Wednesday, however:
#Purdue FB target Poona Ford @PoonaF_2 set to make his announcement Wed 12:30 p.m via @ESPNU Texas and Missouri also on his list
— mike carmin (@carminjc) February 3, 2014
So Purdue will be part of the wall-to-wall signing day coverage after all. Ford could join Gelen Robinson as Purdue's only 4-star commitments. Robinson is rated as a 4-star according to Rivals, while Ford is an ESPN top 300 player (and four-star) while he is also a four-star per Scout.
Ford will decide between Purdue, Texas, and Missouri. He was first committed to Charlie Strong at Louisville before Strong left to coach at Texas, so he has a good in there. He was impressed by his Purdue visit, however. Texas fans are viewing him as a must-have:
If Ford does sign with Texas, he would be in a position to compete for some rotational playing time early. While the Horns should have a strong D-line in '14—defensive end Cedric Reed returns, along with defensive tackles Malcom Brown and Desmond Jackson—they must prepare for life afterward. That's where Ford, along with other '14 commits, could come in to play.
Obviously a player of talent could play immediately at Purdue, and at least on paper the Boilers could be solid up front. Along with Robinson and former four-star commit Ryan Watson, Purdue could start three blue-chippers on the defensive line. Watson only has 10 career tackles in 16 career games, however.
Purdue can't afford to be choosy with talent right now. It needs it everywhere if the program is going to pull out of the 2013 crater.
