At this point, Danny Hope's 7 verbal commits look alright, especially compared to last years single verbal at the beginning of August, but who are the guys that are leaning toward Purdue that might fulfill some key needs? Better yet, what positions should Coach Hope be focusing on for the class of '10?
I think the best place to start would probably be Hope's wheelhouse, the offensive line. Nearly one-third of Hope's big, beautiful uglies will graduate after the '09 campaign...and, in my opinion, we won't have Ken Plue for too long after his Soph. campaign...if his shedding of pounds equates to the type of increase in speed that I think will become obvious. But at least two guys wo are currently DTs on the roster will be converted to the other side of the ball next month...In my opinion, Josh Davis will become an OL before he ever steps on campus. While he needs to gain weight, he's got great size and good speed for the offensive side of the ball.
Next priority, or maybe a bigger priority, depending on how some of last year's recruits shake out is the defensive backfield. Hope will lose all four starting DBs after this fall...The only reason I don't put this position number one, is I think at least two shut-down corners were listed as ATH in last year's recruiting class, but the position of Safety is a large question mark.
The next position of note would be running back. Not only will Purdue lose Taylor after this season, but also Frank Halliburton. And while the system might make Halliburton's numbers unremarkable and Taylor's knee might keep his numbers down in '09, both losses will be noteworthy because both players are good huddle guys.
The last position that I think is a must to see someone signed in the near future is P/K- I think Hope will look for a guy who can do both to save the schollie.
Jewel of the Class (So Far)
In my opinion, there's no doubt who the most-noteworthy recruit of the class is so far- Sean Robinson. Purdue beat out some very good programs for his services, and Marves recent injury makes him even more important.
Scout v. Rivals
A bunch of you guys visit both Rivals and Scout daily for a bit of Boiler news...and this isn't news for you- but most of you only visit GBI. So, I'll save you a few moments- Rivals, like last season is doing a much more accurate job watching Purdue's recruiting effort thus far.
For one thing, Scout is missing two athletes that have committed in the last two weeks...plus, they seem to be the Johnny-come-too-late when it comes to stories on new recruits.
How the Boilers Compare
As of this week, Purdue looks a bit like Northwestern, Wisconsin and IU when it comes to the number of commits and the type of players committed at this point in the recruiting season...a lot can and will happen, but last year at this time, Purdue was clearly number 11. aOSU, PSU and UM (not surprisingly) all have a bevy of verbals with a slew of stars next to their names...but the Lions and Bucks both have two five-star recruits, the Wolverines have 0.