31 Days to Purdue Football: Joe Schopper

In the Big Ten punting is winning. That's why today's player is so important even as an incoming freshman.

Joe Schopper - Fr.

Indianapolis, IN (Cathedral HS)

6' 180 pounds

Punter/Kicker

2015 Projection: Possible starter at punter

First off, Schopper is rocking the bow tie in his Purdue profile. Because of that (and because he is a punter) I propose that forevermore we call him Joe "The Show" Schopper.

He comes in as the No. 4 punter in the country according to Chris Sailer kicking and he might challenge Thomas Meadows for punting duties immediately. He could also be the team's kickoff specialist or challenge next year to be the placekicker when Paul Griggs is gone. He reportedly has a hang time of more than 5 seconds and averaged over 42 yards per punt. That last punt is pretty impressive because he played for Cathedral in Indianapolis. The last few seasons Cathedral has played a Midwest schedule and went 4-5, 4-5, 4-5, and 6-3 during the regular season against powers like Cincinnati Moeller, Louisville Trinity, Cincinnati St. Xavier, and more. They also played Ben Davis, Warren Central, and Indy Chatard.

By the time they got to the tournament Schopper was rarely needed as his team went a spotless 24-0 in his four years during postseason play for four state championships. I am not sure how well he did as a placekicker, but he comes in as one of the top punters in the nation and could start immediately.