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We're almost to single digits, and that means today we get a player who has done everything asked of him since coming to Purdue.
Sean Robinson - Sr. (5)
Springfield, IL (Rochester HS)
6'3", 239 pounds
Linebacker
2014 Projection: Starter at Linebacker
In an alternate universe right now Sean Robinson is the next great QB in the Cradle. When he came to Purdue as part of the recruiting class of 2010 he was one of the better dual-threat quarterbacks in the nation. He was expected to redshirt then slowly grow into the position. Instead, a rash of injuries and suspensions moved him from fourth string at the start of fall camp to starter by the Wisconsin game. The true freshman naturally struggled, but threw for 301 yards and two scores against six interceptions.
In 2011 he finally got his allowed redshirt, but the moving quarterback position eventually pushed him to the other side of the football. By 2012 he was a linebacker, and has since started 15 of the last 24 games in a Purdue uniform. He now has 62 career tackles and could leave Purdue as one of very few players to both throw and catch an interception if he gets a pick this season.
I like players like Robinson because they lead by example. He has made great sacrifices for the team and moved to a position where he is often overmatched. Still, he has fought hard and led by sheer example.
Matt Burke - Fr. (RS)
West Palm Beach, FL (Cardinal Newman HS)
6'6", 222 pounds
Tight End
2014 Projection: Reserve at Tight End
Purdue is going to need a TE in 2015, and Burke could be that player. The top four tight ends on the team in terms of experience are graduating this year, leaving a dearth of experience behind. Burke, coming out of redshirt, is the leading candidate to reap those rewards and get some experience along with surprising walk-on Jordan Jurasevich.
Burke is a former three-star commit that had 29 receptions for 343 yards and six scores as a senior in high school. He also played in the Army All-American Bowl.