Today we feature another pair of freshmen ocming out a redshirt year, with one of them from nearby Zionsville.
Trey Firestone - Fr. (RS)
Zionsville, IN (Zionsville HS)
6'3", 205 pounds
Wide Receiver
2023 Projection: Possible contributor
Firestone did get in one game last year as a true freshman. Like so many, he played briefly in the bowl game against LSU. He came to Purdue as a preferred walk-on, however, after a prolific career at Zionsville. At the time his older brother, Jack, was playing baseball at Purdue as well.
For football Firestone was a one-time teammate of Gus Hartwig. As a sneior he led Zionsville with 61 receptions for 939 yards and 11 TDs. That gave him a total of 1,943 yards and 18 touchdowns as Zionsville was twice state runner-up in Class 5A.
Firestone has been mentioned as a possible contributor this year. He has good size and ball skills in the air. He also played against Division I level competition at Zionsville, so he is a tested player.
Zeke Williams - Fr. (RS)
Naperville, IL (Northern Illinois)
5'10", 190 pounds
Cornerback
2023 Projection: Reserve
Williams is a new transfer into the program. He was initially a two-star recruit to Northern Illinois. He did not play at all last year, and via the transfer portal he found his way to West Lafayette.
In high school he was a two-way player, playing for receiver and defensive back for Naperville North. He broke up seven passes according to MaxPreps in his senior season and he caught 43 passes for 438 yards and 3 touchdowns.
Williams is part of an overhauled defensive backs room, but as a D-I prospect he should have a great chance to grow into a solid player. His athleticism from basketball will also help.