should be all but wrapped up with the addition of Brown over the weekend. By my numbers, Purdue will max out their roster and utilize at least two of the over signs available to them. I would assume the 3rd over sign would be reserved for someone like Vaughn.
From a numbers standpoint, it looks like they filled just about every hole on the roster. The breakdown would appear to be evenly distributed between offense and defense with 12 recruits each. In addition, there were two Special Teams players.
With Purdue returning a large number of players from last year's 2-deeps, there probably won't be a need for any of the incoming frosh to have to see the field next year with the exception being perhaps at running back. While I think Jones (and possibly Vaughn if he signs) will get their opportunities next year, there's so much more that goes into playing the position that it's difficult to find a true frosh capable of handling the job on an every down basis. Jones will have the Spring to help nail down those extra responsibilities.
One other possibility for early playing time might be at the Safety position where Purdue still might be a little thin from a depth perspective. Frankie Williams, Logan and Gregory are all upperclassmen as is Feichter, a walk-on. If the coaches move Williams back to CB, that would certainly open up a spot in the 2-deeps for a frosh.
Other than those two positions, it would be a nice luxury for Purdue to be able and redshirt the remainder of the class. That said, there always seems to be a couple of players each year who surprise everyone and see the field earlier than expected. It will probably happen again in 2015, just can't predict whom it might be. Otherwise, it wouldn't be a surprise, would it?
The three JUCOs that were brought in should all be in the mix for starting positions. Two vying for a spot in the underperforming receiver corps and one trying to replace Russell at DE. They'll all get their opportunities.
Looking ahead to the 2016 class, it looks to be a very small one with just 11 scholarship Seniors graduating. Replacing both kickers will be key (Schopper in the 2015 class could alleviate the need for two in 2016 however). An early prediction on the breakdown would probably go like this:
C/OG - 2 spots - Need to keep a steady pipeline along the O-line
OT - 2 spots - See above. Purdue could go JUCO for 1 spot if it's the right guy
TE - 0 spots
WR - 2 spots - May be able to get by with 1 depending on the development of the remaining receivers. Phillips & Hart could still redshirt which would help the depth
RB - 1 spot - This might depend upon Jones and/or Vaughan. If Purdue gets both in 2015, they might pass on RBs in 2016
QB - 0 spots - Would like to take one but the numbers aren't there. Purdue would have to get their "man" in order to fill this spot.
DE - 1 spot - Like O-line, need to keep a steady pipeline at this position
DT - 1 spot - See above
LB - 1 spot - See above
CB - 1 spot - See above
S - 2 spots - One area of need. Perfect spot for a JUCO.
ST - 1 spot (could be two depending on Schopper).
That breakdown allows for replacing the 11 Seniors and maxing out the over signs available for a class size of 14. Should there be any additional attrition in the next year, the size will increase accordingly.
Purdue should be in a pretty good position to really target the players they want this year in that they'll have a class about 1/2 the size of the 2015 class. That should mean more resources focused on fewer players which should improve the level of recruits. Bear in mind that due to the class size, Purdue will not be among the leaders per Rivals.
From a numbers standpoint, it looks like they filled just about every hole on the roster. The breakdown would appear to be evenly distributed between offense and defense with 12 recruits each. In addition, there were two Special Teams players.
With Purdue returning a large number of players from last year's 2-deeps, there probably won't be a need for any of the incoming frosh to have to see the field next year with the exception being perhaps at running back. While I think Jones (and possibly Vaughn if he signs) will get their opportunities next year, there's so much more that goes into playing the position that it's difficult to find a true frosh capable of handling the job on an every down basis. Jones will have the Spring to help nail down those extra responsibilities.
One other possibility for early playing time might be at the Safety position where Purdue still might be a little thin from a depth perspective. Frankie Williams, Logan and Gregory are all upperclassmen as is Feichter, a walk-on. If the coaches move Williams back to CB, that would certainly open up a spot in the 2-deeps for a frosh.
Other than those two positions, it would be a nice luxury for Purdue to be able and redshirt the remainder of the class. That said, there always seems to be a couple of players each year who surprise everyone and see the field earlier than expected. It will probably happen again in 2015, just can't predict whom it might be. Otherwise, it wouldn't be a surprise, would it?
The three JUCOs that were brought in should all be in the mix for starting positions. Two vying for a spot in the underperforming receiver corps and one trying to replace Russell at DE. They'll all get their opportunities.
Looking ahead to the 2016 class, it looks to be a very small one with just 11 scholarship Seniors graduating. Replacing both kickers will be key (Schopper in the 2015 class could alleviate the need for two in 2016 however). An early prediction on the breakdown would probably go like this:
C/OG - 2 spots - Need to keep a steady pipeline along the O-line
OT - 2 spots - See above. Purdue could go JUCO for 1 spot if it's the right guy
TE - 0 spots
WR - 2 spots - May be able to get by with 1 depending on the development of the remaining receivers. Phillips & Hart could still redshirt which would help the depth
RB - 1 spot - This might depend upon Jones and/or Vaughan. If Purdue gets both in 2015, they might pass on RBs in 2016
QB - 0 spots - Would like to take one but the numbers aren't there. Purdue would have to get their "man" in order to fill this spot.
DE - 1 spot - Like O-line, need to keep a steady pipeline at this position
DT - 1 spot - See above
LB - 1 spot - See above
CB - 1 spot - See above
S - 2 spots - One area of need. Perfect spot for a JUCO.
ST - 1 spot (could be two depending on Schopper).
That breakdown allows for replacing the 11 Seniors and maxing out the over signs available for a class size of 14. Should there be any additional attrition in the next year, the size will increase accordingly.
Purdue should be in a pretty good position to really target the players they want this year in that they'll have a class about 1/2 the size of the 2015 class. That should mean more resources focused on fewer players which should improve the level of recruits. Bear in mind that due to the class size, Purdue will not be among the leaders per Rivals.
