As we kick off game week we start with a legacy player and a new safety that is expected to start.
Griffin Alstott – Fr.
St. Petersburg, FL (Northside Christian HS)
6’2”, 205 pounds
Quarterback
2017 Projection: Likely Redshirt
If you look at his profile on Purdue Sports there is little doubt who Griffin’s dad is. That cleft chin and haircut reminds us of a time when Mike Alstott was pulling his Jeep up the hill next to Ross-Ade Stadium. Fortunately, the brand new Performance Facility has rendered such training methods obsolete, but I would love to see Griffin do it once for old time’s sake.
Griffin is very likely headed toward a redshirt this season, then a fevered battle at quarterback in a year or two. Last season he threw for 2,410 yards and 31 touchdowns in 12 games and he also rushed for 8 touchdowns on 235 yards. If he plays and scores a touchdown he can be the first father-son touchdown combo since Dan Dierking and his dad Scott.
Griffin was a four-year starter for his high school. His senior year they reached the Class 2A semifinals for the first time ever. While it is going to be awhile before he sees the field at Purdue, we’re glad to have him because of what his dad did.
T.J. Jallow – Jr.
Olive Branch, MS (East Mississippi CC)
6’2”, 200 pounds
Safety
2017 Projection: Starter at Safety
Jallow is a hard-hitting safety that was featured on the TV series Last Chance U. Last season he had 43 tackles and 7 pass break-ups as East Mississippi Community College was one of the best junior college teams in the nation. He brings a lot of speed and is known for taking care of business over the middle of the field.
Really, that is only a good thing. For many years it has been like Purdue has played without safeties, so if he can help solve our middle of the field problems that can only be a good thing. ESPN listed him as the No. 20 JuCo player overall in the country and he was able to enroll in January. That extra time will also be a major asset, as we need him to perform immediately.