22 Days to Purdue Football: Jack Wegher and Sawyer Dawson

Today we feature a pair of freshmen who could both play early and have a role in a big season.

Jack Wegher - Fr.

Sioux City, SD (IMG Academy)

5’9”, 205 pounds

Running Back

2016 Projection: Contributor on Special Teams

Though Wegher hails from South Dakota he attended the prestigious IMG Academy in Florida for high school. It is basically a high school where sports are the main focus as they assist in getting athletes ready for college and earning an athletic scholarship.

Wegher looks to be a hybrid RB/WR type of player that might contribute this season as a kickoff returner. He already went through spring practice since he graduated early and already has a semester at Purdue under his belt.

It is a comparison we make a little too much around here, but Wegher could be a Vinny Sutherland type of player. More recently, think of B.J. Knauf, whose career was ended early due to injuries.

Sawyer Dawson - Fr. (RS)

Lakeland, FL (Plant City HS)

6’1”, 235 punds

Linebacker

2016 Projection: Contributor on Special Teams

Dawson was one of Purdue’s better pickups in the 2015 recruiting cycle, but right now he is sitting behind several good options at linebacker. In his senior season of HS he finished with 63 tackles. the Legend had a very good profile on him a few years ago.

Dawson is the type of player who could really make a name for himself on special teams this year. Playing time at linebacker could be limited, but he could be solid on the kickoff teams.