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I know, it is gameday for Purdue Basketball. Who wants to hear about football? But, this is an all important piece for the Purdue Football 2019 Class. He has already given his verbal, seems rock solid Purdue, but it is fun to break him down a bit.
George Karlaftis, the towering multi-position defensive lineman is from Purdue’s backyard. George is from West Lafayette High School - maybe a 1⁄2 mile from Ross-Ade. Not only is George a football player, he is also a varsity basketball player and he won state in the Shot Put his Sophomore year of high school. He was an important get, he has offers from, well everyone. So, lets take a closer look.
Name: George Karlaftis
Position: Defensive Line
Size: 6’5”, 245
Ranking: 4* (Rivals), 4* (93 overall, 247 Sports)
Other Offers: Alabama, Clemson, Florida, Louisville, IU, Miami, Michigan, Notre Dame, OSU, PSU, Tennessee, USC
Positives: Similar to Bell yesterday, there are so many great things George does. He can play any position along the defensive line. He is strong as hell, he is very agile for a big man as well. My personal favorite thing about George is that you can tell he is actually reading the play. He does’t just use his athleticism to be better than everyone else. He is thinking at all times during the game. Another thing I love is that on Kick-Off he is playing the R2 - this is generally a position for a smaller quicker guy. But, he is so dominant they can put him there and he makes a ton of KO plays - showing that he is unselfish by agreeing to play special teams.
Negatives: At some points, you wish to see a more explosive start off the blocks. Kind of like a sprinter coming out of a sprinters block in track. Other than that George is pretty darn good. Teams like Alabama and Clemson do not offer if you have a ton of obvious flaws.
We cannot wait to see you in the Black and Gold in 2019, George. Have a great Track Season!