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GOLD AND BLACK ILLUSTRATED VOLUME 28, ISSUE 3 37 are exactly what we're looking for," Brohm said. "We think he can be a special player for us as long as we keep him on track, keep him healthy and get him stronger. He's a very intriguing prospect with a lot of potential." TIGHT END Purdue has two productive veterans slated to return in Cole Herdman and Brycen Hopkins and a promising young receiver in Darius Pittman. It wanted in this class a more physical, in-line-block- ing-oriented presence and hopes signee Payne Durham is that player, be it now or down the road. The towering 6-6, 260ish-pounder only played one sea- son of high school football, really, after previously focusing on lacrosse. It didn't stop Duke and Missouri, among others, from offering him and recruiting him to the very end. RUNNING BACK It was a winding road at running back for Purdue this re- cruiting cycle, as it once appeared on the verge of its third commitment at the position, only to part ways with a few committed play- ers, then add Evan Anderson prior to the signing date as its only signee. Purdue discovered the Georgian during the season, watched him close- ly and found an under-recruited steal, it would seem to believe. This staff is drawn to running backs with size and gets one in the 6-1, 200-or-so-pounder. OFFENSIVE LINE Philosophically, the offensive line is a position Brohm says he is willing to "over-sign," to dedicate more scholarship resources to in order to assure suitable quantity and, ideally, quality. The number of signees thus far wasn't obnoxious — Purdue signed tackles Eric Miller, Jimmy McKenna and Will Bramel and interior line- man Charles Allen — but was re- flective of emphasis. Purdue will trade raw bulk for athleticism and mo- bility, particularly at tackle, and McKenna, Miller and Bramel all fit that mold, with their height, length and footwork, by reputation. All of them are 6-6 or taller, each with ample development potential physically. Allen is a 6-4, 290-pound guard or center. Given the nature of the position, this is the group that could — or should — be least likely to impact Purdue right away, but could be most likely to in the long run. Brohm specifically said he'd like to see mul- tiple "three-year starters" come from the group of of- fensive line signees. In the meantime, offensive line figures to be a posi- tion where Purdue again looks for grad-transfer help. DEFENSIVE LINE Purdue went six deep on the defensive line, apply- ing the same "over-signing" philosophy it takes with the offensive line. This will be a position where movement would seem likely. Of the signees, only in-state Lawrence Johnson 1600 South Creasy Lane Lafayette, IN 47905 BUY A SUBARU AND KEEP INDIANA DRIVING LOVE IS OUT THERE, FIND IT IN A 2018 SUBARU CROSSTREK REDESIGNED 2018 SUBARU CROSSTREK www.BobRohrmanSubaru.com Bob Rohrman Subaru 1-866-906-6223