Football Recruiting Update - Skill Positions

TJ Sheffield - 4* - WR - Independence High School - Thompson Station TN

Stats Through 6 Games

Receptions - 42

Yards - 861

Receiving TD - 8

Rushing Attempts - 17

Yards - 107

Rushing TD - 4

Kick Return Yards - 204

Punt Return Yards - 15

Total All Purpose Yards - 1187

Evaluation

Sheffield is a do “do everything” type player for his high school. He runs the ball, catches the ball, returns kicks, and even plays some corner for the defense. He looks like a perfect fit for the slot position in the Purdue offense. You can use him in the quick passing game on option routes and as a running option out of the jet motion. Sheffield was a huge pick up for the Boilermakers and is living up to his 4* billing so far this year.

Mershan Rice - 3* - WR/S - Reynoldsburg High School - Reynoldsburg, OH

Stats Through 6 Games

Receptions - 18

Yards - 321

Receiving TD - 4

Rushing Attempts - 3

Yards - 35

Evaluation

Don’t be discouraged by Rice’s numbers. He’s never been a high volume catch guy. He’s a big (6’2, 200), strong athlete that tends to make the most out of his opportunities. I’ll be interested to see how his career goes at Purdue. He’s got the tools to play both receiver and safety. He has 2 ints and 1TD return this season from his safety spot so far this high school season. I think he’ll start at receiver, but if that doesn’t work out, he’ll also make a great safety.

Paul Piferi - 3* - QB - Villa Park High School - Villa Park, CA

Stats Through 6 Games

Passing Attempts- 101/167

Yards - 1523

TDs - 13

Ints - 4

Evaluation

Piferi is a prototypical pocket passer. He likes to sit back in the pocket and throw the ball all over the field. At 6’5, 215 pounds, he looks and throws like Sindelar. He’s got serious arm talent and will come into Purdue physically ready to compete. The quarterback room at Purdue could be extremely interesting next season, with several talent options fighting for a chance to play.

Da’Joun Hewitt - 3* - RB - Davidson Academy - Nashville, TN

Rushing Attempts - 128

Yards - 1029

Rushing TD - 19

Receptions - 8

Yards - 91

Receiving TD - 1

Evaluation

Watching Hewitt’s high school film reminds me a good bit of watching Markel Jones’s high school film. Hewitt is the best athlete on the field and it doesn’t look like has has to try particularly hard. Sometimes it’s hard to evaluate those types of players, but Hewitt appears to have elite speed and cutting ability. He is going to bring a different dimension to the Purdue rushing attack next season, and I won’t be surprised if he avoids the redshirt.