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And we have our first surprise of the day! Derrick Barnes, an inside linebacker from Holy Cross High School in Louisville is a last minute flip from Toledo to Purdue. Barnes has very good size for a linebacker at 6’3”, 235 pounds:
Rarely left the field after leading the Indians in tackles (126 total, 96 solo) and rushing (150 carries, 1,567 yards, 22 touchdowns). He also recovered four fumbles and intercepted three passes and had three returns for touchdowns. Led Holy Cross in tackles two straight seasons after posting 129 (82 solo) last year. Named the Class 2-A, District Six Player of the Year by the Kentucky Football Coaches Association. A three-sport athlete who also is on Holy Cross’ basketball and track and field teams.
Here is his announcement tweet:
It’s official, Derrick Barnes is a Boilermaker! #BoilerUp #LetsPlayFootball #NSD17 @derrickbarnes21 pic.twitter.com/oOO92NSN1r
— Purdue Football (@BoilerFootball) February 1, 2017
Purdue definitely needed linebacker depth and that is what this guy brings. If you want to see some highlights, we have them!
Welcome aboard, Derrick!