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Purdue Football Player Countdown: #85 Daniel Roach

WALK-ON TOWNIE!

Purdue v Missouri Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images

Lafayette Central Catholic has a pipeline of talent headed to Purdue. We all know about the Anthrops, but we got another freshman receiver from LCC as a walk-on this year.

Daniel Roach - Fr.

West Lafayette, IN (Lafayette Central Catholic HS)

5’8”, 185 pounds

Wide Receiver

2020 Projection: Likely redshirt

Like most redshirt receiver, Roach has a long way to see the field. He does come to Purdue with a Class A state championship, however, as most Central Catholic players do. If you’re not down with LCC they are a small school powerhouse with eight Class A state championships. seven of them have come since 1999, with the latest coming in 2019 thanks in part to Roach. Entering the state title game last season he led LCC with 68 receptions for 1,001 yards and 11 TDs. He also had 137 yards rushing with two more scores. He also played all over the field as in one game scored via punt return, touchdown catch and interception return.

Once in the title game he had a big game with 11 catches for 111 yards. That was a Class A title game state record. On LCC’s final drive he had two receptions as the Knights scored with 10 seconds left and converted the deuce for a 29-28 win over Indianapolis Lutheran.

Roach was even named the Lafayette Journal & Courier’s Player of the Year:

Roach proved he was dangerous with the ball in his hands, so the Knights got the ball to him any way possible — return man on special teams, hand offs, short passes, deep throws.

In 14 games, Roach accumulated 2,014 all-purpose yards and is the Journal & Courier Small School Offensive Player of the Year.

Roach is like Alexander Hamilton: He is your, scrappy, and hungry. Welcome aboard.