The sad state of Purdue football recruiting got sadder today with the news that Dylan Powell, a three-star offensive guard from Missouri, decommited. He carries offers from Georgia tech, Iowa State, and Virginia Tech, but since offensive line coach Jim Bridge was heavily involved in his recruiting the departure of Bridge likely played a role. He has scheduled visits coming up with VaTech and Iowa State.

Powell was one of Purdue's highest rated recruits, which isn't saying a lot considering how low the class is rated. JuCo offensive tackle Jalen Neal was also a slight casualty. He was unable to be a mid-year enrollee after not getting a science class completed, so he will have to come in the summer like everyone else. As far as I know he is still planning on coming, but as a likely left tackle starter he will lose the important spring practice period.

The departure of Powell from the class has my scholarship grid now at 83 players, leaving two spots open for the coming season. One spot opened up when Jonathan Curry, who was to be a 5th year senior, graduated headed to grad school elsewhere per a source. Curry had not played a lot. He was mostly a special teamer the last two years with some fullback duties. He officially had a kickoff return for nine yards during a squib kick as the only time he touched the ball in his career.

I wish I had better recruiting news, but I don't. According to Rivals Purdue has offered Nate Craig-Myers, the top rated receiver in the country, but so has the rest of America. You're high if you think he is coming here. Purdue might still have a shot at 4-star offensive tackle Sean Foster from Mundelein, IL. He did at least give Purdue an official visit. 2-star defensive back Simeon Smiley is the only uncommitted player listed with an upcoming visit and he is currently committed to... South Alabama. Evan Foster, a 6'2" 3-star safety from West Bloomfield, Michigan also visited in December and is undecided.