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Gold and Black Illustrated, Vol 27, Digital 4

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GOLD AND BLACK ILLUSTRATED VOLUME 27, ISSUE 4 27 Jones believes he'll fit nicely into Holt's plan. He recorded eight sacks among his 50-some tackles as a senior. "That was one of the big reasons they recruited me," Jones said. "They see how quickly I get off the ball and how I use my hands well to get to the quarterback." A background playing defensive end helps, too. Toledo and Colorado actually offered him scholar- ships as such, though most, including Purdue, viewed him more as a linebacker. "I like (middle) linebacker better," Jones said. "You don't just stand there hoping and praying the other team runs the ball at you. You can stand there, scan the field and go make a play." Jones was previously committed to Florida Interna- tional. He chose Purdue over the Panthers and an offer from USF prior to signing day. TOBIAS LARRY LB • 6-1, 200 • Lakeland, Fla. (Kathleen) As with Cornel Jones, Purdue land- ed the Florida linebacker before signing day after he took a fi- nal-weekend official visit to USF. While Jones projects to play be- tween the tackles for Purdue, the undersized, but speedy, Larry fig- ures to play on the outside. "They told me they really like that I'm a versatile linebacker and can play all three po- sitions," Larry said. "They like my speed and how I can get to the ball and make plays when need be." Part of Purdue's aim in the short term will be to make its defense more athletic and faster, particularly at line- backer. "He's an athletic linebacker," Brohm said. "He can run, make plays, has great ball skills." Holt looks forward to having Larry in the fold. "He's a young man that will play space, whether it is a Will, Sam or nickel linebacker for us," Holt said during the JPC's Recruiting Roundup. "He is just starting to hit his peak and will be a big guy. He'll hopefully be over 225 pounds (in time), but he can run. He has legit and verified 4.56 40 speed, and those are the types of guys we have to have on the edges against teams that try to throw the ball a lot." DEDRICK MACKEY DB • 5-11, 165 • Miami, Fla. (Booker T. Washington) Purdue didn't wind up signing many of the dozen-plus commit- ments Brohm inherited from the ousted staff. Mackey, though, was a priority. "They came right down to Mi- ami to see me as soon as they got the job," Mackey said. "I really felt the love from them then." It helped Purdue hang on as Mackey took other vis- its each of the two weekends that preceded signing day, first to Cincinnati — some of the coaches who recruit- ed him to Purdue in the first place are now part of the Bearcats' new staff — then to South Florida. Ultimately, he stuck with the Boil- ermakers. Purdue was pleased that he did. "He can make plays. He's a ball- hawk," Brohm said. "He has some swagger to him. I think he'll come in and compete. While he has to gain some strength, once he gets that, he'll be a very good player for us." Maybe early. Purdue's numbers aren't exact- ly rock-solid at cornerback. There might be immediate opportunities 1241 Cumberland Ave, Suite B West Lafayette, IN 47906 Phone: 765-497-0197 www.bankerinvestmentgroup.com A Fee-Based Investment Advisor located in the Purdue Research Park 25+ Years of Investment Management Experience Bill Banker, President Purdue University Alumnus '85 Purdue Baseball Alumnus '81-'85

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