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Does Purdue have a curse when it comes to four-star recruits? We don't get many, but a disproportionate number that we do get don't work out. For a team like Purdue, a four-star guy should be an instant starter and should be a major contributor by their third year on campus.
That is what we have in today's player.
Ryan Watson - Jr.
Ellicott City, MD (Our Lady of Good Counsel)
6'2, 306 pounds
Defensive Tackle
2014: Possible starter at defensive tackle.
Watson was one of the top players in the 2012 recruiting class if not the top player. Rivals and Scout had him as a four-star player, but in two years his contributions have been minimal. He played in nine games as a true freshman and had two assisted tackles. Last season he shifted more inside from defensive end to defensive tackle, but his production did not increase much. In seven games he had only eight tackles, one for loss.
Now he enters his junior season battling for a starting job at defensive tackle with several players. In that regard, he is a bit of a disappointment. Clearly he had a ton of talent when he was brought in, but he has yet to show that talent. Fortunately for him, there is still time to show it.