The Boilermakers have fleshed out their football recruiting class for 2013 this past week or so, bringing in a vast number of recruits. Of the listed recruits Purdue also tackled some depth issues at tight end and linebacker and added the first offensive linemen to the class. Besides adding a handful of fresh faces to the list, Purdue is also close on several other targets and could see several more recruits before signing day is here. That being said, word is Tyvel Jemison's official visit was cancelled and he's likely off the list of 2013 commits now. The reasoning behind this is likely grades so it's up in the air if Jemison could end up in junior college and then Purdue or if he'll not come here all together.
TE Matt Burke
One of Purdue's recent commits is Florida product Matt Burke. The 6'6 215 pound tight end seems to land as either a two or three star recruit depending on your source. Burke's definitely undersized but he brings size and quite a bit of speed to the table and is considered to be more of a receiving tight end than anything else. Burke's slim size brings instant memories of freshmen Carlos Carvajal who had to bulk up when arriving at Purdue and work on his blocking, which helped result in a redshirt his freshman season. Because of those same concerns it would seem likely Burke is also held off the field for his first season as well, especially with the team having a receiving tight end in Gabe Holmes who is also a senior. Behind Holmes the team should see Justin Sinz fill the Crosby Wright role with Carvajal and redshirt freshmen Ryan Morris rounding out the position. Burke has the potential if he can maintain his speed when he bulks up to fall into the same category as Gabe Holmes as a tight end that can line up in the slot and draw linebackers and safeties. Burke's size and speed should create some beneficial situations, though he's likely going to go head to head with Carvajal, who will have a couple years experience by the time Burke sees some solid playing time. Ryan Morris, a three star recruit from 2012, was more of a blocking end and could see some time in more run-oriented situations and in two tight end sets. Burke participated in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl.
DT Johnny Daniels
Illinois native Johnny Daniels committed this past weekend and will join the team on the defensive line. He enters a position that has quite a bit of leftover talent, even with Kawann Short graduating, therefore it seems like Daniels will end up eating a redshirt. The two star 6'5 250 pound tackle will, like many linemen, need to bulk up when they reach the collegiate level. Daniels shows some solid burst and fundamentals but he's a bit too inconsistent on the line with his technique and gets caught playing high a bit too often. His physical build could also fit him well on the offensive line, though he'll likely have his chance on the defensive side of the ball.
LB Garrett Hudson
Garrett Hudson is another linebacker commit to the Boilermakers and doesn't have all too much information widely available about him. The 6'3 235 pound Hudson has seen time on both sides of the ball in high school, but the Florida product was recruited to Purdue as a middle linebacker. As of now it is unknown if Hudson will be playing under a scholarship or if he will be considered a walk-on. Hudson's father was recently made the teams defensive coordinator.
WR Dan Monteroso
Dan Monteroso was originally committed to Boston College, but decommitted after coaching changes. Monteroso had close ties to our new offensive line coach Jim Bollman. The news that Monteroso committed to Purdue wasn't a huge surprise, as he recently visited both Purdue and Maryland and his final decision was going to be between the two schools. The 6'3 receiver isn't noticeably fast, but brings a lot of speed to the table that goes relatively unnoticed. At his height he brings some solid size to the table and should have a size advantage on most outside corners. Monteroso is a solid route runner and more of a possession receiver, though he can make it behind the secondary on vertical routes when called upon. Monteroso will likely face a log jam at the receiver position. Coming into 2013 Purdue only loses two receivers (Antavian Edison, Tommie Thomas), had a large class of receivers in 2012 (Knauf, Posey, Woods, Anthrop, Gray), has a relatively large class again this season and a decent number of young guys out there.
OL Jason Tretter
Jason Tretter is Purdue's first offensive line commit in 2013. The position was one commonly mentioned as a 'need' for the class, though one has to wonder the validity of that statement. I mention that because the team had five different linemen (plus a long snapper) that redshirtted last year and all have four years of eligibility left at Purdue. Tretter brings size to the table, measuring in at 6'7 and 305 pounds. The two star Ohio native will likely follow the example of last years class and redshirt in 2013.
WR Deangelo Yancey
Deangelo Yancey, a 6'2 200 pound three star recruit out of Georgia, also joined Purdue recently. Yancey was originally a commit at Kentucky before reopening his process and was going to take a visit to Missouri before announcing his commitment to Purdue. Yancey runs a relatively quick 4'5 40. Yancey brings a lot of athleticism to the table and could line up out wide, in the slot or even at tight end if he added some bulk to his frame. Yancey may be quick but he's not likely to win too many foot races with corners, though his ability to make plays in the middle of the field make him a valid threat as a slot receiver. Yancey can get in and out of routes effectively and can go up and make plays when necessary. Yancey, like Monteroso, joins a stacked receiving department so he'll likely redshirt as well. It'll be interesting to see how the receiver position plays out and if Hazell favors his guys or the younger holdovers from the Danny Hope days.
