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GOLD AND BLACK ILLUSTRATED VOLUME 28, ISSUE 4 39 Over time, this group stands to factor considerably into the future of Purdue's offensive line, where the program needs some player-development stability. And tackles Bramel, Miller and McKen- na were recruited to this staff's template, so that could work in their favor, as well moving forward. In Bramel's case, he was recruited as a tackle, but his body type would seem to jibe with guard as well should that be in the cards down the line. Height: 6-6 Weight: 280 High School: Boyle County Hometown: Danville, Ky. Senior Stats: n/a B oyle County High School coach Chuck Smith has seen Bramel play tight end as a freshman for his school and basketball throughout his prep career, highlighting the athleticism Purdue seems to like in him. "(Purdue) said they like (offensive linemen) who are athletic, No. 1," Smith said, "but have some height and length and range to them, so that they can mold them there. "He's that." Bramel is 6-foot-6 and may come in as the heaviest of Purdue's three offen- sive tackles, and built differently, with a wider frame than Jimmy McKenna and Eric Miller, but no less mobility, Purdue would seem to think. "He has great feet and moves really well," Smith said, citing basketball as evidence. "And he's so intelligent. He's athletically intelligent. He figures things out fast." It's a reason Jeff Brohm, who had been recruiting the Kentucky prospect while at Western Kentucky, made Bramel a priority last season. He was the first of the three offensive linemen to commit, doing so over other offers from Memphis, Marshall and several MAC schools, along with academies Air Force and Army. Other Power 5s — Virginia was showing interest — might have come around to offering given time. "He already has height and length, and he'll put on a lot of muscle," Smith said. "Once he gets on a one-sport (training) plan, he might really blow up." Brohm likes the entire package. "He's actually even more physical than you even think with that size, but I think he loves football," the sec- ond-year coach said. "He'll compete. It's always hard for an offensive lineman to play the first year, but I think he'll come in and compete, add some competition." The Purdue Fit Did You Know? As a varsity tight end, Bramel caught two passes for 50 yards as a freshman. Will Bramel Offensive lineman "Bramel is exactly the type of prospect that college coaches look for at the tackle po- sition in 2018. He's tall, long and doesn't carry much bad weight and he has the frame to add muscle without losing athleticism. He might need some time but he has a chance to be an important piece of the Boilermakers offensive line in the future." — Southeast analyst Woody Wommack rivals.com take Action photo by Brian Neubert