41 Days to Purdue Football: Khali Saunders & Caleb Krockover

It’s another double player day today, so why waste time with the preamble?

Khali Saunders - So.

Elmhurst, IL (Immaculate Conception HS)

6’3”, 230 pounds

Linebacker

2021 Projection: Reserve

At media days on Friday coach Brohm mentioned that he likes the depth he has at linebacker, and Saunders provides that. He played in four games last year and notched two tackles. In 2019 he saved his redshirt by playing in three games and had two more tackles. He is a former three-star commit who had three interceptions as a senior in high school, so it seems he can play well in space. He also won three consecutive state championships.

Like most of the “depth” linebackers, Saunders will probably get some time on special teams and be a rotation player.

Caleb Krockover - Fr. (RS)

West Lafayette, IN (West Lafayette HS)

5’9”, 190 pounds

Kicker

2021 Projection: Reserve

Purdue’s kicker spot is open this year, and Korckover might have a chance. Mitchell Fineran is transfering in from Samford and is likely a one-year solution as a graduate transfer, but Krockover makes the very short commute from West Lafayette to possibly win the job going forward.

Krockover joined the team last year as a walk-on and did not play. During his time at West Lafayette HS he helped George Karlaftis win a state title as the Red Devils went 15-0 in 2018. He kicked 89 extra points and 12 field goals that year (and if you want to be awed, look at big George’s stats). For his career he was a four-year starter that was 19 of 21 for his career with a long of 45 yards. He also hit on 284 of 303 extra point attempts.