Brohm says several early signees may play in 2019

Rondale Moore is an example that Coach Jeff Brohm won't hesitate to play freshmen, especially if they can make a significant impact.

Brohm reinforced the freshman-play-early way of thinking by mentioning seven different members of the 2019 class having opportunities to either start or be significant contributors in their first season.

George Karlaftis, the highest-ranked prospect in Purdue's 2019 class, was a prominent player Brohm mentioned as a potential starter next season at defensive end. Brohm said Purdue's coaching staff is committed to allowing the West Lafayette High School star to be given "everything in our power to help him" become what Moore was at the wide receiver position as a true freshman.

"He's got a lot of raw ability and will continue to improve. He loves the game of football and loves being a part of Purdue," Brohm said. "We're excited about him."

Brohm said Purdue's secondary could see significant playing time by either or both of its Detroit signees (Marvin Grant and Jalen Graham) despite having a solid defensive backfield recruiting effort in the 2018 class.

"We think we hit the jackpot with Marvin Grant and Jalen Graham," Brohm said Wednesday. "I know both guys can come in here and compete for a starting spot."

With throwing the ball always a priority in Purdue's offensive scheme, Brohm likes the possibility of all three wide receiver signees (Milton Wright, Mershawn Rice and TJ Sheffield) seeing the field in significant roles next season.

"All three guys we like and they can step on the field right away and showcase what they're about," Brohm said. "I think all three can be big-time players for us."

Brohm mentioned Kyle Jornigan, a three-star offensive line prospect from Youngstown, Ohio, as a signee who could step in and play early. Purdue loses each of its starters at guard from this 2018 campaign. Usually, offensive linemen aren't physically ready to step in and play as true freshmen in the Big Ten, but Brohm wouldn't rule out the possibility of the 330-pound prospect being able to help Purdue's offensive line depth issue.

"He's probably the furthest along of any of (the offensive linemen signees). He's around 6-foot-4 and 330 pounds, and he's just big," Brohm said. "I think he can come in and hopefully play early and will do a good job for us."

Purdue hasn't had a true freshman start on the offensive line since Ken Plue in 2008.

Purdue may need Brooks Cormier to replace All-Big Ten specialist Joe Schopper next season. Cormier, from Tuscaloosa, Ala., is relatively new to punting but the 6-foot-5, 215-pounder is a three-sport athlete who could fit in perfectly with Brohm's penchant for trick-play on special teams.

Brohm used his time in front of the media to reiterate the effect Rondale Moore had in 2018, and how it will impact future first-year players.

"I think the fact that he had this much success in Year 1 as a true freshman should tell people (prospects) that you can trust us," Brohm said. "When you get a difference-maker like that, yes, you would hope that it causes you to get a few more. You would think you'd get more players who think they want to be difference-makers and do something special and do it right now."

Membership Info: Sign up for GoldandBlack.com now | Why join? | Questions?

Follow GoldandBlack.com: Twitter | Facebook

More: Gold and Black Illustrated/Gold and Black Express | Subscribe to our podcast

Copyright, Boilers, Inc. 2018. All Rights Reserved. Reproducing or using editorial or graphical content, in whole or in part, without permission, is strictly prohibited.