Recruiting Focus: Linebacker
Recruiting Focus: Wide Receiver | Defensive End | Running Back
Purdue needs linebackers in its 2019 class, probably lots of them as the numbers suggest.
As of right now, the Boilermakers' 2019 linebacker mix would stand to include just standout Markus Bailey as a senior, then juniors-to-be Tobias Larry, Derrick Barnes and Cornel Jones and incoming freshman Jack Smith as either as a redshirt freshman or sophomore. That's assuming things hold as they project as of this moment.
Such would represent pretty low numbers for a volume position.
Thus, Purdue will probably sign at least three for 2019, maybe more.
Here's a look at some of the early targets.
One of Purdue's highest priorities in the 2019 class from virtually Day 1, the Pioneer High School Swiss Army Knife of athlete has visited seemingly countless times now.
It remains to be seen how much proximity to home and family connections to Purdue matter, but they certainly won't hurt as Jeff Brohm, Nick Holt, et all, try to fend off Notre Dame, Iowa, Michigan State, Nebraska and others, all of which have offered.
More ($): Jack Kiser on Purdue
The four-star linebacker from The Region is a big-time athlete and a player Purdue should have a solid connection with, due to its proximity and its long-standing recruiting presence with him.
Offers have come from all over the place, from Arizona to North Carolina and many points in between, but Purdue is among those who'd love to come him near-by.
More ($): Cameron Williams on Purdue
Jansey was just offered and in so doing, Purdue seems to have jumped straight to the top of his list, with a decision expected to come soon.
Missouri, Iowa State and West Virginia are some other contenders.
More ($): Michael Jansey on Purdue
Robbins is being recruited as an athlete by Purdue, with running back being an option as well as linebacker, with defense maybe being the more likely of the two at this point.
He's really emerged as a high-end recruit this spring, but has a bit of a history with Purdue and its staff and a June 15 weekend official visit on the books.
Vandy, Missouri and Kentucky have summer OVs booked too and Robbins said he may visit Stanford after the season.
More ($): Aidan Robbins on Purdue
Purdue offered the Chicagoland linebacker/defensive end last week and may have him on campus soon for camp. Right now, Iowa State — which seems to have offered every player in the country — and Syracuse are other P5 offers.
The Boilermaker staff has also shown interest in Saunders' brother, Khalil Saunders, a versatile DB.
The Cleveland native and four-star prospect holds offers from much of the Big Ten already and could earn some higher-end offers this summer, but Purdue's maintained a presence with him from the winter on. If he shows up on campus for a visit at some point, that would be telling about his interest, one would think.
Eichenberg's older brother, Liam, plays at Notre Dame.
The California transplant in New Jersey was offered by Purdue in the spring and reciprocated that interest by making an unofficial visit.
Rivals.com lists him as a wide receiver, but he's being recruited for defense, specifically as an athletic outside linebacker with the ability to play in space.
The Michigan City outside linebacker is already committed to Purdue, projected for the hybrid position in the Boilermakers' defense — a cross between D-end and outside linebacker.
Stay tuned for more on Triplett this week
The Texan was just offered by Purdue last week.
Arkansas, Texas Tech, Missouri and Cal are some of his other offers.
One of Purdue's top targets in 2019, Weaver is a defensive end and we listed him in that breakdown, but it does bear mentioning that Weaver could play the hybrid position, which would be as much linebacker as D-end.
More ($): JJ Weaver on Purdue
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