Kicker Julio Macias will bring strong leg to Purdue in 2022
At 6-5, 230 pounds, Julio Macias isn't your normal kicker. He's built more like a tight end. And, it was that frame that intrigued Purdue.
"That's something (Purdue special teams) Coach (Marty) Biagi loved, my size and frame," Macias told GoldandBlack.com. "You don't come across a kicker like that often."
Macias committed to Purdue on Tuesday, adding to an already robust 2022 class that includes 18 commitments. A native of Ligonier, Ind.--about 35 miles northwest of Fort Wayne--Macias is the first specialist in the class, which can begin signing letters-of-intent on December 15. He plans to visit Purdue December 10-12.
Macia's big leg at West Noble High garnered the attention of schools, including Indiana, Wisconsin, Arkansas and Southeast Missouri State. But, he ultimately tabbed Purdue.
"I think because of the coaches and how they made me feel," said Macias. "They made me feel welcome, the teammates and just the environment. Coach Jeff Brohm has something going on that I think a lot of people don't know about and should pay more attention to. I think Purdue could blow up here in a couple of years."
Macias relationship with Biagi, who kicked at Marshall, also was key.
"Coach Biagi honestly was the main reason (I picked Purdue)," said Macias. "He is willing to work with me and I don't think I've ever met another kicking coach like him at the college level. He had a lot of different things compared to the other coaches at other colleges."
Macias connected on 13-of-13 on extra points in 2021 and hit 11-of-15 field-goal attempts with a long of 47 yards. As a punter, Macias averaged 40.1 yards and his kickoffs averaged 72 yards in 2021. But, at Purdue, he will focus on being a place-kicker.
"From what me and Coach Biagi have talked about, it's been mostly kicking," said Macias. "But if we can get in that punting process, I mean, I could do anything. So, whatever is best for the team."
Purdue could have Mitchell Fineran back in 2022, as he has a COVID year of eligibility after arriving this season as a grad transfer from Samford. Fineran has hit 19-of-24 field-goal attempts this season. Only one Big Ten kicker has made more field goals in 2021. Earlier this year on Brohm's radio show, Fineran expressed a desire to return in 2022.
The Boilermakers also have sophomores Ben Freehill and Chris Van Eekeren along with redshirt freshmen Edward Dellinger and Caleb Krockover on the roster. Freehill and Van Eekeren--who has dealt with injury--have served as kickoff specialists this season.
Macias will arrive prior to next season with the intent of being the No. 1 kicker.
"It's not gonna be easy for whoever's there," he said.
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