14 Days to Purdue Football: Yanni Karlaftis

When I was at Big Ten Media Days a few weeks ago one of the most important questions I had for George Karlaftis was about his excitement to play in a multi-Karlafti defense. He enjoyed the term “multi-Karlafti”, and I think Purdue fans will enjoy seeing what happens with the two this year.

Yanni Karlaftis - Fr.

West Lafayette, IN (West Lafayette HS)

6’3”, 220 pounds

Linebacker

2021 Projection: Contributor

I think Yanni starts the year as a top reserve, but as a four-star true freshman there is a lot of anticipation about what he can do. It is also likely the only year we get a multi-Karlafti defense because George is almost certainly off to the NFL. The one large concern is that he was banged up and missed much of his senior season at West Lafayette HS and it also cost him some time in spring practice since he had enrolled early.

He still racked up the stats though. At West Lafayette in four years he totaled 241 tackles, 23.0 tackles for loss, and 2.0 sacks to go along with seven interceptions, four forced fumbles and seven fumble recoveries. He helped West Lafayette win the Class 3A state title with a 15-0 record and 12 tackles in the championship game. He was third on the team that year behind his brother, (who had an ungodly 56 tackles for loss and 17.5 sacks on 108 tackles in 15 games).

Yanni should contribute this year at linebacker, and that connection he has from playing alongside his brother for so long could be a huge benefit.