:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67408114/1166916431.jpg.0.jpg)
Since we restarted the player countdown in search of sweet, sweet content we have, by my count (and Hall French’s count) 27 new players to feature as either new walk-ons or new incoming freshmen. Let’s get to it with a freshman walk-on.
Ben Furtney - Fr.
South Elgin, IL (St. Charles North HS)
6’, 210 pounds
Linebacker
2020 Projection: Likely redshirt
When I was looking at Ben’s profile I was trying to remember why St. Charles North HS was ringing a bell in my head. I finally remember that it is because of Kendall Stephens, who played at rival St. Charles East HS. That was before Ben’s time, however. Furtney comes to Purdue as a preferred walk-on, meaning he already had a spot, but no scholarship, when he arrived:
Furtney, St. Charles North’s senior linebacker, was a three-year starter for the North Stars. As a junior he was part of a historic season in St. Charles. He was a Blue-Grey-American this year. Now he’s headed for the Big Ten.
Furtney on Wednesday signed with Purdue as a preferred walk-on.
Furtney was one of four North Stars to officially firm up their college plans, joining quarterback Kyler Brown (Minnesota-Duluth), defensive lineman DJ Oshin (St. Ambrose) and offensive lineman Matt Fell (Massachusetts Maritime Academy).
“Personally, it felt nice to find a school that I felt a home [with] and comfortable,” Furtney said. “Just kind of celebrating that moment with the guys was great. Us four, from freshman year to senior year [went] through a lot [with] ups and downs. Just knowing that we all found a school that we feel great to have committed to and excited to be a part of, it was a great day.”
Per that same article he had 58 tackles, 8 for loss, and he helped his school reach the Class 7A state title game for the first time as a junior in 2018. He was garnering Division II and FCS interest, but decided to give Purdue a shot back in February.
Furtney will almost certainly redshirt when football starts, but we have seen plenty of walk-ons make it to the field of late.