46 Days to Purdue Football: Nick Taylor & Ben Furtney

Who knew the number 46 was so popular? Today we have two players, including a LONG SNAPPER!

Nick Taylor - Freshman (RS)

Indianapolis, IN (Lawrence North HS)

6’4”, 220 pounds

Long Snapper

2021 Projection: Reserve

Super senior Nick Zecchino likely has the long snapping position set, as he has been a two year starter with no issues, but he will need to be replaced in 2022. That is where Taylor will have a chance. There is a lot more to long snapping than “throw football backwards through legs”. It has become its own specialization with camps and everything. Per his MaxPreps page Taylor played some quarterback very briefly at Lawrence North and was a defensive player with 60 tackles and an interception in 2019. He also starred on Lawrence North’s baseball team with a .250 average and 14 RBI in 2019 before his senior season was wiped out.

I guess if football doesn’t work out he can walk over to Alexander Field and give that a shot.

Ben Furtney - Fr. (RS)

South Elgin, IL (St. Charles North)

6’, 220 pounds

Linebacker

2021 Projection: Reserve

Furtney is a walk-on linebacker who joined the team last year after being first team all-state in Illinois. He held an offer fromC Cornell, per Rivals, before walking on at Purdue. As a junior he helped St. Charles North reach the Class 7A semifinals. As a senior he played receiver and linebacker, putting up decent numbers both ways.

As a walk-on Furtney faces a long road to the field, but he can still serve as a valuable practice player.