2016 Purdue Football Recruiting: Jared Sparks

The commitment of Jackson Anthrop was not the only news on Sunday in terms of recruiting. Jared Sparks, a resident of Geismar, Louisiana, flipped his commitment form Southern Miss to Purdue.

Blessed to say I will be attending the University of Purdue for the next 4 years. #B1G #BoilerUp pic.twitter.com/CtAbCySKwI

— 1⃣ ™ (@_jaredsparks2) January 18, 2016

Sparks is listed as a 6'1" 200 pound dual threat quarterback, making him slightly different from David Blough and Elijah Sindelar, who are both more typical pocket passers. His commitment greatly helps Purdue's depth, as after Blough and Sindelar Purdue did not have a scholarship quarterback. Aaron Banks, a true freshman this past season, is a walk-on that did take a single snap and completed a pass against Indiana.

Sparks is a 2-star prospect by both Rivals and ESPN. this season he led his team to an 8-4 record in his first season as a starter. I can't find a single thing about season stats on him, however.

I would say Sparks is almost assuredly headed toward a redshirt year. He is a depth QB that has an interesting upside with his ability to run. It should be interesting to see how he develops going forward even if we don't see him on the field for quite some time.

As for where that puts the scholarship count, I have the Purdue class at full almost two weeks before signing day. I have put Garrett Hudson back on to the chart because he was previously considered a walk-on because his dad was defensive coordinator, but since his dad is gone and it looks like Hudson is staying I am betting he is on scholarship. this is also likely why Jackson Anthrop is a greyshirt, and won't count against the 2016 scholarship cap.