8 Days To Purdue Football: Raheem Mostert and Tim Cason

One of today's players is the fastest man in the Big Ten. The other is a promising freshman that may redshirt, but could be a big contributor in 2015.

Raheem Mostert - Sr.

New Smyrna Beach, FL (New Smyrna Beach HS)

5'11, 190 pounds

Running Back

2014: Starter at Running back

Your reigning Big Ten Champion in the 60, 100, and 200 meters also happens to be Purdue's running back and ace kick returner. For three years Purdue has struggled to find ways to get the ball to him within the offense. He has been a receiver until now, but only had one catch in his career for six yards. He does have 43 carries for 230 yards and three touchdowns, however. Now he moves to running back where it is hoped his blinding speed will make a difference.

Where Mostert has really excelled is at kickoffs. As a true freshman led the country with 837 return yards and a touchdown on a 33.5 average. He is currently third in school history with 1,558 yards and two career touchdowns. Teams have tried to limit him as a return weapon, but with Akeem Hunt also on returns he can still be a problem for teams.

Tim Cason - Fr.

Clarkston, MI (Clarkston HS)

5'11", 189 pounds

Defensive Back

2014 Projection: possible redshirt

Cason had a great senior year in high school, as he was part of a Clarkston team that won a state championship in Michigan. He comes to Purdue as a promising safety prospect. While he may not play next week, he originally committed to Western Michigan before coming to Purdue. Here is what I wrote about him when he committed:

Cason lines up at receiver for Clarkston, which will help with his pass coverage skills and tracking the ball in the air. He has some good size, but his speed rates relatively average. He can likely play either corner or safety, but with his average speed I can see him more as a safety. I am not sure if he is a definite first-year contributor, but given the current state of Purdue's defense he is at least going to get a look. Depending on how he finishes this season some of the bigger programs will try to come after him like ND is coming after Tranquill.

Ah yes, he was committed when the infamous Drue Tranquill was still on board. At least Cason made it to campus.