In-state defensive back commits to Purdue
Purdue's landed its first in-state recruit for 2018 under new coach Jeff Brohm, as Ben Davis cornerback/safety Elijah Ball committed to the Boilermakers on Sunday.
"It was the right spot for me," Ball said. "You can't get any better than the family atmosphere there, and that's what I was looking for. It's not every day you get (recruiting) letters not just to you, but to your mom and dad. That was a good feeling and part of what made them (stand out)."
The Rivals.com three-star prospect chose Purdue over offers from Cincinnati, Colorado State and others, and continued interest from Iowa, Iowa State, Indiana and Louisville, among others.
The physically well-developed 6-foot-1, 190-pounder said he was recruited for both cornerback and safety.
"It'll just depend on where they need me the most," Ball said. "We'll see when I get there."
Ball's commitment comes on heels of another DB, Kadin Smith of Louisville, committing, both of them checking the important box for Purdue in being defensive backs with size, an utmost priority for the Boilermakers' new staff.
But Ball also represents Purdue first blow in in-state recruiting, specifically in Indianapolis. Brohm and his staff have made repairing ties in the city and throughout the state and in Ball, Purdue gets a player from one of Indiana's talent-producing flagships, Ben Davis. Purdue's not factored into things for many Giants players over the years, if any, dating back to quarterback James Banks long ago.
Ball's the fourth Purdue commitment of the week, joining linebacker Jaylan Alexander, quarterback Jack Plummer and Smith.
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