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J.D. Dellinger could be around forever, it feels like. He already redshirted in 2018 after splitting time with Spencer Evans (but he did tag in against Boston College when Evans was ill). He is now a fifth year senior who will get a free year and can even return next year. That gives him another year to help his eventual replacement, which could be his own brother.
Edward Dellinger - Fr.
Charlotte, NC (Charlotte Country Day)
6’3”, 180 pounds
Kicker
2020 Projection: Likely redshirt
It is unlikely that Edward plays this year, as J.D. is the entrenched incumbent with 33 career made field goals (5th all-time and he will probably move up to third this year) and a pair of game-winners in his career. His brother will complete to replace him in 2021 or 2022 though.
Edward is officially a walk-on, but was a 4.5 star kicking prospect according to Chris Sailer kicking. This is his profile there:
Edward is a very talented high school kicking and punting prospect. He is a great looking athlete with great all around potential. Edward is smooth and accurate on field goals. He hits a clean ball off the ground and has 50+ yard range. His kickoffs are coming along nicely, nearing college ready. He also has the size, strength and athleticism to develop into a strong college level punter. I look forward to seeing what the future holds for Edward. There is nice upside here. He is a fine young man with a great attitude and work ethic. I expect Edward to have a big 2019 summer picking up college offers. His best is still in front of him. Outstanding combo prospect.
Charlotte Country Day was not afraid to trot him out for kicks, as he was 16 of 25 in his career and 79 of 89 on PATs. He had 44 touchbacks his senior year alone. The accuracy numbers aren’t great, but that can always be attributed to high school lines and long snappers not being nearly as accurate as college lines and snappers. He even ran for a two-point conversion.
It will be a while before we see him, but it is possible Purdue could have a straight decade of Dellinger kickers.