Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Purdue landed a running back recruit for 2017. Antwuan Branch, had offers from Vanderbilt, Yale and Navy. While his offers aren’t big time offers, the 3 star (according to 247 sports) is supposed to be on the rise.
This gives Purdue another back for the future, a position which we have plenty of talent at with Markell Jones, D.J. Knox, Richie Worship, Tario Fuller, Keyante Green and David Yancey all returning in 2017.
As a Junior last year, Branch tore apart the competition. He rushed for 2,595 yards on 313 carries, averaging out to 8.3 yards per carry. He also scored 27 touchdowns last season as well. Purdue is getting an all-around back, who likes to block as well.
Like I previously mentioned, Purdue has a stable of backs already. Branch is a CB/S hybrid in their 4-2-5 defense at his high school in Tennessee. Maybe we could possibly see him on defense for us in the future. I think Coach Hazell & Co. got a talented athlete that we can use on offense or defense. Either way, welcome aboard Antwuan! Boiler Up!