Purdue Football Recruiting: Who Do We Have and What Do We Need?

Since the beginning of the Hazell era, Purdue has been recruiting with a cast net. Simply put, we've needed bodies, and we have tossed our net into the water and pulled in whatever we could get. Sure, we've managed to snag a few big fish, but for the most part, we haven't had the luxury of selective recruiting. This recruiting class should be significantly different. As of now, Purdue only has 12 slots for this class. Of course, you expect some attrition on the roster, so that number will probably be bumped up to at least 15 or 16, but still, that's a small recruiting class. Purdue is going to be highly selective in this class, and in the process, will also get a solid head start on the 2017 recruiting class.

Here is a look at our current numbers on offense, and what it means for recruiting:

Quarterback:

Austin Applebee	Junior
Danny Etling	Junior
David Blough	(RS) Freshman
Elijah Sindelar	Freshman

Recruiting Outlook:

If everything remains the same, Purdue will only take a quarterback if a 4 or 5* quarterback falls into our laps. The depth chart is clogged with two upperclassmen and two young studs. Of course, this could change if one of the above mentioned quarterbacks transfers, but right now, the Purdue coaching staff doesn't have quarterback high on their recruiting list. You usually don't see a team with 5 scholarship quarterbacks on their roster.

Running Back:

Jonathan Curry	Junior
Keith Byars II	Sophomore
Keyante Green	Sophomore
D.J. Knox	Sophomore
David Yancey	Sophomore
Markell Jones	Freshman
Tario Fuller	Freshman
Richie Worship	Freshman

Recruiting Outlook:

The running back position is similar to the quarterback position this year. If a 4 or 5* running back really wants to be a Boilermaker, Purdue won't turn him away, but that's probably not going to happen. Even with a defection, I can't see Purdue taking a running back in this class, and honestly, I can't see Purdue being an attractive situation for a running back. There is way too much young and talented depth on the roster.

Wide Receiver:

Danny Anthrop	Senior
Shane Mikesky	Senior
Dan Monteroso	Junior
Bilal Marshal	Junior
Cameron Posey	Junior
DeAngelo Yancey	Junior
Domonique Young	Junior
Trae Hart	Sophomore
Anthony Mahoungou	Sophomore
Myles Norwood	Sophomore
Gregory Phillips	Sophomore

Recruiting Outlook:

I'm going to say this as gently as possible, because I'm sure everyone listed is wonderful person with numerous redeeming qualities, but there is some serious bloat in the wide receiver depth chart. The junior class in particular is littered with players that have yet to display their talents, even though they were provided with ample opportunity to make an impact last season. Also, Danny Anthrop's knee pretty much exploded last year. He wants to play, but I've actually suffered through a similar knee injury, and from my experience, he's not going to be ready until at least mid season, and even then, I doubt he is the explosive player we remember. Personally, I would love to see him redshirt and come back next year closer to 100%. Purdue might take one or two wide receivers this year, but could take more if a few little used players move on with their careers.

Tight End:

Jordan Jurasevich	Senior
Carlos Carvajal	Junior
Matt Burke	Sophomore
Cole Herdman	RS Freshman
Brycen Hopkins	Freshman
Jess Trussell	Freshman

Recruiting Outlook:

Purdue was in desperate need of tight ends in the 2015 recruiting class, and ended up with Hopkins and Trussell, two raw, but tall and athletic prospects. Jurasevich moves on after this season, possibly opening up another spot for a tight end. I don't think Purdue would be too worried with a 5 man tight end rotation next year, but that really hinges on oft injured Carlos Carvajal living up to his 4* status. I think the Boilermakers take one tight end in this class.

Offensive Line:

David Hedlin (T)	Senior
Corey Clements (G)	Senior
Robert Kugler (C)	RS Senior
Cameron Cermin (T/G/C)	RS Junior
Jason King (G)	RS Junior
J.J. Prince (T)	RS Junior
Jordan Roos (G)	RS Junior
Joey Warburg (T)	RS Junior
Kirk Barron (C)	RS Freshman
Martesse Patterson (G)	RS Freshman
Bearooz Yacoobi (T)	RS Freshman
Michael Mendez (G)	Freshman
Peyton Truitt (T)	Freshman
Matt McCann (T)	Freshman
Larry Wells (T/G)	Freshman

Recruiting Outlook:

Just sit back and admire the offensive line roster for a moment. No, don't move on just quite yet, take another long look at it...doesn't it look pretty? This is what an offensive line roster should look like, and this is the reason offensive line will be the strength of the Boilermaker offense this year. Purdue will have 3 seniors moving on after the season, and two of them (Hedlin and Kugler) are potential NFL draft picks. Luckily, there is plenty of experienced, developed talent behind them to quickly fill the void. Generally speaking, you should always take at least three offensive linemen, just because they are so hard to evaluate. I think you see Purdue replace the three departing players with three players in the 2016 class. Offensive line may become a signature position at Purdue under Hazell, and a team with a strong offensive line is usually a team that wins games.

Overall Outlook:

Don't expect many players on the offensive side of the ball this recruiting class. The skill positions are essentially full unless players leave early. The recruiting class will look something like this:

Position	# in 2016 Class
Quarterback	0-1
Running Back	0-1
Wide Receiver	1-3
Tight End	1-2
Offensive Line	1-4

It will be nice to see Purdue really focus in on specific players in this recruiting class. An impact wide receiver would be great to see, and I expect the momentum in offensive line recruiting to continue. The offensive coaches will also have some extra time to really get after the 2017 class, which could pay huge dividends in the long run.