Georgia defensive lineman discusses Purdue commitment
Addressing a need on its defensive line, Purdue has added Georgia defensive lineman Allen Daniels to its 2017 recruiting class.
The 6-foot-1, 290-pounder from Dacula, Ga., committed to the Boilermakers this weekend after an official visit to West Lafayette.
Daniels was formerly committed to Boston College before re-opening his recruitment.
"Purdue offered me last year after my junior season, around February or March," Daniels said, referring to the program's old staff. "I knew it was a big-time offer for me. I didn't consider them, though, as much as I probably should have, because of the coaching staff."
Daniels said after offering a scholarship, Purdue coaches repeatedly expressed concerns about his height, which grew tiresome, so he moved on, at least for the time being.
"Last week, Coach (Chris) Barclay called me and told me he wanted me to come up and check it out," Daniels said. "I did, and I liked it. They have such a winning tradition that they're bringing from Western Kentucky. And it's the Big Ten, so who knows what's possible?"
Earlier in the process, Daniels was committed to Boston College. Kansas State and many others offered him at one time or another, too, but in the end, he says, it came down to Purdue and Appalachian State.
He becomes the only known anticipated defensive tackle to be signing with Purdue Wednesday after long-time commitment Malcolm Robinson, an inherited commitment from the past staff, parted ways with Purdue and subsequently committed to Minnesota.
Defensive tackle, then, was a critical need down the stretch for Purdue.
"I'm athletic and I have a quick twitch to me," Daniels said. "They like how I have a motor, play with my hands and they said I can be a difference-maker in their program. I think I have good get-off, great instincts and leverage, but I can get better with my strength and get a little quicker.
"I talked to Coach (Reggie) Johnson about that and he gave me some coaching points that showed me, I think, that they can get me where I need to be."
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