Purdue Football Recruiting Update: Boilers Add to 2013 Class

Published: 22^nd Jul 12 10:32 pm

Drew Wooden
Drew Wooden

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Andrew Weber-US PRESSWIRE

Since the last recruitment update (LINK), Danny Hope has added three more known commitments. The class includes four defensive linemen now, although many of the commitments could project to other positions. Here are the latest additions:

Parker Cothren: the defensive lineman recruit from Hazel Green, Alabama has impressive size and productivity. At 6-4 and 250 pounds, Cothren racked up 69 tackles and five sacks. Cothren did not have any other BCS offers at this point. Not to mention, he’s an honors student and a starting center for the runner-up in Alabama’s largest class. His highlights show a big, high motor player with great pursuit of the football. His quick feet will be useful on the defensive line whether he plays on the outside in a 4-3 system, or grows into a tackle or 3-4 end. Even though he’s being recruited as a defensive end, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him get a shot at offensive line too. Coach Hope has not been afraid to switch defenders to the other side of the ball ala Justin Kitchens, Trevor Foy, and Cody Davis just to name a few.

Myles Norwood: Purdue added its first wide receiver of the class with the commitment of 6-2 Norwood. He’s from a small school in Arlington, Texas and has produced phenomenal numbers: 47 receptions for 1,010 yards and 16 touchdowns. Norwood has been recruited to play receiver at Purdue, although other colleges were looking at him as a defensive back. Like Cothren, he did not have any other BCS scholarship offers, but he had interest from Oklahoma State and Washington State. Norwood’s highlights, size, and productivity remind me of 2012 commit Jordan Woods. Norwood has good speed and agility that makes him a threat as a kick returner in addition to a wideout. He’ll have to gain strength at the next level, but he looks like a legitimate Big Ten player.

Johnny Thompson: Thompson projects as a 3-4 offensive linebacker, although he may play as a 4-3 defensive end as well. He hails from Georgia and chose Purdue over offers from Syracuse, Wake Forest, and Colorado State. Regardless of which position he plays, he will have to add some weight to a good frame. There are no available video highlights for Thompson, but he has very good athleticism (a 32.8 inch vertical jump). It’s clear that new defensive coordinator, Tim Tibesar, has in mind which athletes fit his system. Hopefully Thompson will find his role as an outside linebacker who can rush the quarterback, cover the sideline in run support, and guard tight ends.

Purdue now has over a third of its recruiting class committed. The Boilers will continue to work hard on the recruiting trail until National Signing Day in February 2013.

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