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Today we feature a guy who might be the best player on the entire defense. Purdue has had at least one player drafted by the NFL for 19 straight years. Replogle probably stands the best chance of making it an even 20.
Jake Replogle - Sr.
Centerville, OH (Centerville HS)
6'5", 294 pounds
Defensive Tackle
2016 Projection: Starter at Defensive Tackle
Jake is the smart brother of the four Replogle brothers, but apparently the entire family is bad luck when it comes to the Old Oaken Bucket. You see, Jake's three older brothers Tyler, Mike, and Adam all played at Indiana. Like many of his older brothers, Jake has never hoisted the Bucket. Still, he was smart enough to come to Purdue and be a multi-time Academic All-Big selection as opposed to attending that school down South.
That's not to say he isn't a good player. He might be the best of the four. He played in seven games as a true freshman in 2013 and finished with 13 tackles. Since then, he has been a starter and key member of Purdue's defensive front. In 2014 he had 40 tackles and three sacks. Last season he upped those totals to 60 tackles, 14 for loss.
Expectations are high for him going into 2016. He has already been named to two National award watch lists and an appearance on the all-Big Ten teams at the end of the season is within reach. Given Purdue's struggles we definitely need him to have a big year.