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Today we have a double player day and both are redshirt freshmen looking to make a mark in year 2.
Josh Kaltenberger - Fr. (RS)
Cranberry Township, PA (Seneca Valley HS)
6’5”, 305 pounds
Offensive Line
2021 Projection: Reserve
With the large number of medical retirements among the offensive line this season it is even more important that Kaltenberger be ready. He has likely moved put he depth chart simply via attrition. He was originally one of the top 10 centers nationally according to ESPN, but Purdue is pretty set there were Sam Garvin and Gus Hartwig. If Kaltenberger can shift to guard that would be great.
He is a three-star recruit, however, so there is definitely talent there to work with. I see him mostly as a reserve this season.
Ben Kreul - Fr. (RS)
Waukesha, WI (Catholic Memorial HS)
6’3”, 235 pounds
Linebacker
2021 Projection: Reserve
Much like the offensive line, you can never have too much depth at linebacker. That is what is big for Kreul, especially coming off of a redshirt year. He is an interesting prospect with good size that should be in the mix for playing time at inside linebacker. He even made an appearance on BTN back when he originally signed.
DaMarcus Mitchell, Jaylan Alexander, and probably Jalen Graham have the three main linebacker spots set, but Kreul can be a top reserve. At minimum, he provides valuable depth. He was also a two-time state champion and an all-state selection in Wisconsin.