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but no apparent outside 'backers. Illinois' Robert Spillane, a Western Michigan commitment who might also have offensive potential as a fullback, is slated to visit in January. Needs filled: Purdue went all in on replenishing its ranks in the secondary, as it's poised to add five new high school defensive backs: Corners Tim Cason, Brandon Roberts and Chris Jones; safety Juan Jenkins; versatile LaDarius Wiley and projected safety Simmie Cobbs, a big, fast athlete who could fit at a number of positions but is expected to get first crack at playing in the secondary. It'll be a needed infusion of youth for a cornerback corps that would otherwise have just four scholarship players next season. Jones, a former South Florida commitment, was one of Purdue's highest priorities at his position; Cason will be on campus in January; and Roberts, like Cason, is a bigger corner who may also be able to play safety. The 6-foot-3 Wiley, the most recent commitment, can play either position. Jenkins was one of the first defensive backs Purdue offered back in the spring, so he's been a high-priority target for a long period of time. Clearly it's been important for Purdue to try to upgrade the physicality and depth of a defense that was historically generous in 2013. When all is said and done, Hazell will probably be most f pleased, in all honesty, with his haul of defensive backs and the two linebackers that may be the centerpiece of this defensive class: Robinson and Bentley. Considering Purdue's struggles at linebacker this season and the two prospects' levels of physical readiness, it wouldn't surprise for one or the other, maybe even both, to contribute for Purdue next season. Coming and going: Purdue lost two of its bigger-name early commitments, as safety/linebacker Drue Tranquill switched to Notre Dame after an extended process, while Ward decommitted Dec. 16 after flirting with other schools for months, then beginning to take other visits this month. Again, Purdue will make no effort to re-recruit the enigmatic Chicago native, who all along has been very public in his flirtations with other schools. And Ward, who's attended three high schools in as many years and will make his third college commitment in coming weeks — he was previously committed to Michigan — is known to have some academic hurdles to overcome on his path to qualifying. Purdue has benefited from switches, also, though, as Barron was plucked of Ohio University's commitment list and Cason off Western Michigan's. Chris Jones broke a long-time commitment to South Florida. j IllustrateD volume 24, issue 3 51