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It seems like George Karlaftis, Purdue’s latest excellent defensive end, will be off to the NFL after this season. The good news is today Purdue got a potential replacement with the commitment of Brebeuf Jesuit DE Joe Strickland:
100% Committed #Boilerup pic.twitter.com/S9rmv8LJ5w
— Joe Strickland. (@J3stripe) July 22, 2021
This is a very big pickup, as Strickland is a four-star recruit per both Rivals and 247. He chose Purdue over a pretty lengthy offer list. it also stems the tide a bit on Purdue missing out on some big in-state names. Indiana commitments are pretty salty about it on Twitter, which makes it even more fun.
Mark Hagen, who returned to Purdue after a long hiatus, is credited with Purdue getting back in the game here. he was probably a favorite for IU, so this is a very nice flip. Strickland is also the second 4-star commitment in the class, joining in-state QB Brady Allen.
The 2022 class is now a respectable 32nd nationally according to Rivals and 40th per 247. 247 has Purdue 11th in the Big Ten and Rivals has Purdue 8th.