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Jeff Brohm has done an admirable job of going into the backyard of Michigan and Michigan State to pluck some serious talent during his tenure in West Lafayette. One of those guys is today’s incoming freshman.
Bryce Austin - Fr.
Southfield, MI (Southfield Arts & Tech)
6’2”, 310 pounds
Defensive Tackle
2020 Projection: Reserve at Defensive Tackle
Will Austin play immediately? The bizarre new eligibility rules of no one really having a year count against them this year could help him see the field because he already has Big Ten size for a defensive tackle. He was a consensus 3-star recruit that had 62 tackles, 15 for loss, 3 sacks, and a fumble recovery. Arizona and Boston College were major conference programs that offered him along with in-state Michigan and Michigan State.
Back in July Kyle profiled him further:
Neal, along with Lawrence Johnson should be the two primary anchors in the new 3-4 defense. Nose Tackle, in my opinion, might be the most important position in a 3-4 defense.
The ability to slant and take on multiple linemen to allow the inside linebackers to make plays can not be understated. Neal, who was once a projected first round pick, will do great this year at that spot.
In reality, there just are not many 6-3+ 300+ pound human beings that can move the way you want your nose tackle to move in this defense. Purdue has Austin for 2020, which is a great start, but I think trying to take a nose tackle in each class isn’t a terrible idea.
The Detroit Free Press also had a nice post on him:
This had to have been the ultimate sign of respect for Bryce Austin.
A senior defensive end for Southfield A&T, the Purdue football commit noticed something interesting at the start of his team’s season opener against Clarkston on Aug. 30, a 28-14 win for the Warriors.
Clarkston junior lineman Rocco Spindler, one of the nation’s top recruits in the class of 2021, moved to guard from his normal tackle position.
That’s because Clarkston knew they needed its best against Austin, especially since Garrett Dellinger, another nationally regarded junior lineman for Clarkston, was injured and didn’t play.
So what was Austin’s reaction?
Challenged accepted.