football
2001 Football Recruiting Class Archive
REGGIE BENTON
Running Back, 6-2, 205
Grand Blanc High School
Grand Blanc, Mich.
Exceptional athlete who should see the field early and often… could contribute out of the backfield and on special teams… possesses speed, strength, size and desire necessary to become big-time running back… did not play football last year after initially committing to Michigan in 1999… runs a 4.4 40-yard dash… rushed for 1,995 yards and 29 TDs in ’99… No. 14 player in Midwest and No. 12 running back nationally by SuperPrep… chose Purdue over Ohio State, Michigan and Michigan State.
Coach Joe Tiller on Benton: "Statistically, he’s probably the best running back we’ve signed since we’ve been at Purdue. At the high school level, he had home run capabilities."
2002 Update: Left the team just days after arriving on campus.
LaDRELLE BRYANT
Linebacker, 6-2, 215
Muncie South High School
Muncie, Ind.
Gifted athlete who has size and speed to develop into talented linebacker… another young, athletic player joining deep linebacking corps… may compete for playing time this fall but likely will redshirt to develop strength and technique… bench presses more than 300 pounds and squats more than 400… had more than 100 tackles and 10 sacks as prep senior… No. 83 player in the Midwest by Prep Football Report; No. 102 by SuperPrep… chose Purdue over Indiana.
Tiller on Bryant: "LaDrelle Bryant is a guy who would just as soon smack you as look at you. I think he’s going to prove to be one of the better recruits in the class and not much has been said about him."
2002 Update: Academic casualty — spring of 2002
CHARLES DAVIS
Tight End, 6-5, 265
St. Mary’s Prep School
Orchard Lake, Mich.
Has size and talent to play early in career… expected to develop into excellent tight end with his athleticism and soft hands but could also play other positions… standout student with 4.0 GPA… expects to major in computer engineering… No. 40 player in the Midwest by Prep Football Report; No. 62 by SuperPrep; Rivals.com No. 63 tight end nationally… chose Purdue over Duke, Vanderbilt, Georgia Tech and Northwestern.
Tiller on Davis: "Charles Davis is a sweetheart. He might be my favorite in the class in terms of personality. He’s a kid who will have the easiest transition to college. He went to a boarding school in Michigan so he’s used to dormitory life. I went and watched him play basketball and I’ve not seen a big man run the court like he did in a long time. He’s got an awful lot of potential."
2002 Update: Second-team tight end.
RYAN DAVIS
Defensive End, 6-4, 255
Millville High School
Millville, N.J.
Has the build and potential to be a big-time defensive lineman… is admittedly raw, but very coachable… becomes fifth Boilermaker to hail from New Jersey… will likely redshirt this fall… prep stock was lower due to separated shoulder suffered early during senior season… No. 16 player in New Jersey by SuperPrep; No. 31 in the East by Prep Football Report… chose Purdue over Temple, Pittsburgh, Syracuse, Ohio State and Rutgers.
Tiller on Davis: "I really like the looks of Ryan Davis. He makes me salivate just looking at him because he looks like a prototype pro defensive end. If he can play anything like he looks, he’s going to be very good."
2002 Update: Will provide depth at defensive end.
JAMESON EVANS
Wide Receiver, 6-2, 202
Shaker Heights High School
Cleveland, Ohio
Possesses size and ability to become go-to receiver later in his career… may see time this fall but will likely redshirt… has great athleticism… high jumps 6-2 and long jumps 20-6… as prep senior year, had 41 catches for 530 yards and nine TDs… registered five interceptions at safety… No. 70 player in Midwest by SuperPrep; No. 92 by Prep Football Report… chose Purdue over LSU, Northwestern, Cincinnati, Toledo and Miami (Ohio).
Tiller on Evans: "I think Jameson could be a receiver or a heck of a DB for us. We’ve recruited him as a wide receiver and expect him to be one, but he has the type of ability to be a damn good safety. He’s the Athlete-of-the-Year in the Cleveland area and he withstood a charge by the Buckeyes."
2002 Update: Will provide depth at wide receiver.
BRENT GROVER
Linebacker, 6-4, 245
Highlands High School
Fort Thomas, Ky.
Exceptional talent on field and in classroom… could contend for playing time this fall… has great size with tremendous mobility… has a "nose for the ball"… plans to major in physics… had 4.6 GPA and scored 1430 on SAT… placed first in state in discuss and second in shot put… had 226 stops and 56 tackles for loss and 20 sacks as prep senior… notched 552 tackles in final three prep seasons… No. 2 player in Kentucky and 18th-best linebacker in country by SuperPrep; No. 161 player in the country (21st-best linebacker) by Prep Football Report; No. 21 linebacker nationally by Rivals.com; No. 20 defensive player nationally by G&W Recruiting Report… played in Fox Sports National High School All-Star Game… chose Purdue over Georgia Tech, Penn State, Northwestern, Miami (Fla.), Ohio State, Tennessee and Kentucky.
Tiller on Grover: "Brent is certainly a bright, competitive guy."
2002 Update: Moved to defensive end prior to 2001, then to defensive tackle prior to 2002. Will provide depth at defensive tackle.
ANTWAN HARRIS
Defensive Tackle,
6-2, 290
Raytown South High School
Kansas City, Mo.
Has tremendous strength, which could result in him seeing early playing time… should immediately bolster depth at tackle and provide competitiveness at position in practice… tremendous run stopper… bench presses more than 400 pounds and squats nearly 600… as prep senior had 75 tackles, nine sacks, 18 quarterback pressures and six forced fumbles… No. 42 player in Midlands by SuperPrep; No. 44 by Prep Football Report… chose Purdue over Nebraska, Kansas State, Missouri and Kansas.
Tiller on Harris: "I really like his motor and that’s a very good place to start for a defensive lineman. When I watched him on tape, what impressed me most was how he stopped the run. He plays the game hard and I like that."
2002 Update: Academic casualty — spring of 2002
BRENT HAWKINS
Linebacker, 6-3, 220
Jersey High School
Jerseyville, Ill.
Another talented, young linebacker with great athleticism… possesses tremendous closing speed… excellent leaping ability… likely will redshirt this fall… must continue to develop footwork and technique… registered 159 tackles, three sacks and 12 pass breakups as prep senior… No. 107 player in Midwest by SuperPrep; No. 47 by Prep Football Report… chose Purdue over Kansas State, Illinois, Wisconsin, Colorado and Northern Illinois.
Tiller on Hawkins: "Hawkins is a guy we watched on tape and really liked. He comes into a position that we don’t have an immediate need at, but he’s a guy who can certainly play at this level."
2002 Update: Moved to defensive end, where he’ll look to help Purdue’s pass rush.
BRIAN HICKMAN
Cornerback, 6-0, 170
Westbury High School
Houston, Texas
Speedy athlete with good cover skills… must develop more strength before receiving considerable playing time… will likely redshirt… runs 4.4 40-yard dash… state qualifier in 110-meter high hurdles… tallied 44 tackles as prep senior… chose Purdue over Kansas State, Indiana and TCU.
Tiller on Hickman: "Hickman is a corner guy that we’re counting on. He’s a guy that might come in and play next year. He’s got real good hip flexion. He can turn and run with you. He’s a very good DB prospect."
2002 Update: Purdue’s No. 3 corner.
BOBBY IWUCHUKWU
Linebacker, 6-3, 225
James Martin High School
Arlington, Texas
Initial projections indicate him competing for playing time at linebacker… possesses speed to play in secondary but size to play linebacker… runs 4.5 40-yard dash… bench presses 300 and squats 600 pounds… hails from Nigeria… earned 1300 on SAT… plans to major in electrical engineering… high ankle sprain prematurely ended his senior campaign… No. 94 player in Southwest by Prep Football Report… chose Purdue over Wyoming, Iowa State, Baylor and Colorado.
Tiller on Iwuchukwu: "Bobby has only played two years of football, but he’s one of those slobber-knocker guys. He really hits you and turns you around. He’s a good player."
2002 Update: Second-team outside linebacker
BRANDON JONES
Running Back, 5-11, 215
Peru High School
Peru, Ind.
Tremendous instinctive runner… possesses good strength for size… has good burst through line of scrimmage… will likely redshirt… Purdue’s earliest verbal commitments ever… as prep senior rushed for 2,201 yards on 332 carries (6.6 yards per carry) and 23 touchdowns… for career, tallied 5,322 yards and 54 TDs on 747 rush attempts… No. 69 player in Midwest by Prep Football Report; No. 24 by SuperPrep; Rivals.com No. 21 running back nationally; first-team all-state; Mr. Football finalist… chose Purdue over Indiana, Notre Dame and Virginia.
Tiller on Jones: "We certainly like Brandon’s athleticism. He’s a great ball carrier and a really athletic guy."
2002 Update: Will provide depth at running back.
MATT KNOLLMAN
Center, 6-4, 255
Lakota West High School
West Chester, Ohio
Exceptional athlete at his position… with some experience and added strength, poised to be team’s future center… possesses amazing 33-inch vertical leap… has long arms and good knowledge of the game… good strength in weight room… owns 32 career starts at center in high school… No. 92 player in Midwest by SuperPrep… chose Purdue over Northwestern and Duke.
Tiller on Knollman: "We got a center that we can bring in, school him and groom him to be a three- or four-year starter for us."
2002 Update: Personal problems prevented him from enrolling.
JASON LEIMBERGER
Linebacker, 6-2, 205
Lakota West High School
West Chester, Ohio
Impressive athlete with good speed and footwork… great work ethic and desire to improve… loves to hit ball carriers… possesses 34-inch vertical leap… must continue to develop size and strength… will likely redshirt… plans to play weakside linebacker… had 76 tackles, 11 for loss, three sacks and three fumble recoveries as prep senior… No. 97 player in Midwest by SuperPrep… chose Purdue over Cincinnati and Ball State.
Tiller on Leimberger: "He’s kind of a sleeper guy for us. He has good size, is intense and plays the game hard. He’s a lot like Jon Goldsberry, but faster."
2002 Update: Will provide depth at linebacker.
KEVIN NOEL
Wide Receiver, 6-3, 185
Naperville Central High School
Naperville, Ill.
Outstanding athlete with great size, speed and hands… has great leaping ability… regarded as best wide receiver prospect signed by Joe Tiller at Purdue… expected to compete for playing time, possibly as starter… received scholarship offers from 27 major programs… led prep team to 25-1 record during past two seasons… team won state title as junior… as senior had 39 receptions for 637 yards and eight TDs… No. 28 in Midwest by Prep Football Report; No. 19 by SuperPrep; No. 13 wide receiver nationally by Rivals.com… chose Purdue over Georgia Tech, Michigan State, Ohio State and Kentucky.
Tiller on Noel: "We’ve probably recruited the highest-profile receiver we’ve been able to recruit to date in Kevin Noel. I think we’ll have a chance to see him on the field this year."
2002 Update: Second-team wide receiver.
KYLE ORTON
Quarterback, 6-3, 205
Southeast Polk High School
Runnels, Iowa
Has tremendous size and arm strength… prototypical big-time quarterback… can toss pigskin 75 yards in the air… will likely see playing time this fall… expected to compete for starter’s job… continues to develop footwork… as prep senior completed 95-of-192 attempts for 1,366 yards and 12 TDs… for career threw for 3,176 yards and 24 scores… No. 17 player in the country and No. 3 quarterback by SuperPrep; SuperPrep’s Midwest Offensive Player-of-the-Year; Rivals.com No. 8 quarterback nationally… chose Purdue over Colorado.
Tiller on Orton: "He obviously is the type of guy with the talent to play very early in his career, maybe as early as this year. The only thing he lacks is experience, but he’s a very talented player."
2002 Update: Purdue’s starting quarterback.
JAROD RAMIREZ
Defensive End, 6-3, 250
Fresno City Community College
Fresno, Calif.
Possesses raw potential and good athleticism… benefited by going through Spring Practice after arriving a semester early… hopes to compete for playing time as reserve… enrolled in junior college to bulk up… added 40 pounds in past two years… bright on field and in classroom… earned 4.0 GPA in the spring... coached by former Purdue assistant Tony Caviglia at Fresno City… No. 41 junior college player in nation by SuperPrep… chose Purdue over Colorado State.
Tiller on Ramirez: "We’re pleased to have him in the program because we think he can make a contribution early. He’s a high-motor guy with a good intensity level."
2002 Update: Will provide depth at defensive end.
MIKE RHINEHART
Quarterback, 6-5, 235
Homestead High School
Fort Wayne, Ind.
Huge quarterback with good arm strength… size and potential to be solid tight end but has skills of sound quarterback prospect… hopes to compete for starting or backup role at quarterback this fall… bright player who had 3.8 GPA and a 1300 on SAT… hopes to study medicine and become cancer specialist… father is a doctor… as prep senior completed 165-of-260 passes (63.5 percent) for 2,480 yards, 32 TDs and only six INTs… rushed for 550 yards and nine TDs… No. 29 player in Midwest by SuperPrep; No. 65 by Prep Football Report; Rivals.com No. 26 quarterback nationally… chose Purdue over Michigan and Indiana.
Tiller on Rhinehart: "We’ve thought about Mike as an athlete and possibly as a tight end, but he’s also a very good quarterback prospect. He may never, ever see the tight end position at Purdue. He can throw the football."
2002 Update: Moved to tight end prior to 2001. Purdue’s starter in 2002.
JOSH TOMSHECK
Offensive Lineman,
6-7, 270
Strongsville High School
Strongsville, Ohio
Big, physical specimen with good athleticism… possesses potential to become dominant lineman… heady player who plans to major in engineering… outstanding tight end in high school… No. 91 player in Midwest by Prep Football Report; No. 72 by SuperPrep… chose Purdue over LSU, Rutgers, Indiana and Notre Dame.
Tiller on Tomsheck: "He’s a big guy at tight end. He’s a guy that will most likely play on the offensive line for us. He’s also very athletic."
2002 Update: Will provide depth at offensive guard.
MATT TURNER
Offensive Lineman, 6-3, 260
Kirtland High School
Kirtland, Ohio
Talented athlete with good footwork… will need time to adjust to playing on offensive line after playing linebacker and fullback as a prepster… will redshirt… hopes to develop into standout center… brother of junior guard Rob Turner… one of Ohio’s top heavyweight wrestlers… suffered collapsed lung during senior season in car accident… finished year with 143 tackles, four for loss, three interceptions and three forced fumbles… No. 60 player in Midwest by SuperPrep; Rivals.com No. 78 offensive lineman nationally… chose Purdue over Northwestern.
Tiller on Turner: "We have an understanding with Matt up front, even though he played as a fullback and linebacker in high school, that he’ll be a center or offensive lineman for us. He’s probably a little better athlete than his brother."
2002 Update: Second-team offensive guard.
BRANDON
VILLARREAL
Linebacker, 6-2, 250
Allen High School
Allen, Texas
Big, talented backer with plenty of upside… hopes to drop weight and increase speed… has good footwork… will likely redshirt… bench presses more than 300 pounds and squats 550… tallied 150 tackles as prep senior… racked up 295 tackles and 10 sacks in past two years… No. 70 recruit in Texas by SuperPrep; No.74 defensive end nationally by Rivals.com; Defensive Player-of-the-Year by The Dallas Morning-News… chose Purdue over Texas A&M, Colorado, Clemson, Tulane and TCU.
Tiller on Villarreal: "Villarreal is a big, physical linebacker… the type of guy we’re looking for in the middle. He’s a very good player. He plays the game very well instinctively."
2002 Update: Moved to defensive tackle prior to 2001. Second-team defensive tackle in 2002.
JEROD VOID
Wide Receiver, 6-2, 195
Surrattsville High School
Clinton, Md.
One of Purdue’s fastest recruits ever… capable of becoming big-play threat in passing game in future… will likely redshirt this fall… runs 4.27 40-yard dash… owned nation’s fastest prep time in indoor 55-meter hurdles (7.29 seconds)… state champion in 110 high hurdles and 300 hurdles… suffered shoulder injury midway through senior season… rushed for 866 yards… had 98-yard kickoff return for TD… No. 18 player in Mid-Atlantic by SuperPrep; No. 23 by Prep Football Report… chose Purdue over Northwestern, Maryland and North Carolina State.
Tiller on Void: "Jerod is so fast and big. What we don’t know about him is if he can catch. I really like him as a person and as an athlete."
2002 Update: Moved to running back during spring of 2002. Will provide depth at running back.
BRIAN WANG
Tight End, 6-7, 265
Southwest Christian School
Fort Worth, Texas
Forecasted to have bright future at tight end… has good athleticism with ability to play multiple positions… solid long snapper… is very coachable and unselfish… will likely redshirt this fall… bright player who had 4.0 GPA and plans to major in computer graphics… owns a brown belt in karate… father played for Cleveland Browns… suffered broken wrist in first game of senior season… had 20 catches for 198 yards and four TDs… blocked seven field goals… No. 59 tight end nationally by Rivals.com; top tight end at 2000 NIKE Training Camp in Colorado Springs… chose Purdue over TCU, SMU, Texas A&M and Houston.
Tiller on Wang: "He’s a big tight end. He’s another guy who I think has his best football ahead of him."
2002 Update: Moved to offensive tackle in 2001. Will provide depth at offensive tackle.