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Is today's player one of Purdue's answers at linebacker? He has the size for it and some experience from last year, but is not currently on the two deeps as he enters his sophomore year.
Jimmy Herman - So. (RS)
Carmel, IN (Carmel HS)
6'4", 230 pounds
Linebacker
2014: Contributor at linebacker/special teams
It is important to have depth within the program and quality players on special teams, and that might be where Herman's future lies. He is listed as a linebacker, where there is fierce competition for playing time from several younger players. Herman, has experience now, however. He played in all 12 games last season either as a reserve or on special teams and finished with 13 total tackles. He was also an academic All-Big Ten selection.
In high school Herman was primarily a safety, so given Purdue's need there a move back could eventually be in the cards. At the very least, he is a guy who can play special teams and make plays in that area. he was also an extremely successful player there. His senior year saw Carmel go 14-1 and win the Indiana Class 5A state title. The lone loss was 22-20 to Warren Central, which was avenged in the sectional final. He was part of a defense that gave up only 73 points in nine regular season games.
I think ultimately he could be a guy like Chris Carlino, who played early at linebacker and evolved into a special teams ace.