Purdue football recruiting focus: Linebackers

This is the third in a position-by-position series that breaks down Purdue’s 2024 recruiting efforts.

The 2023 squad has a strong collection of outside linebackers. In fact, it’s probably the best part of the team, led by Nic Caraway, Khordae Sydnor and Kydran Jenkins.

The inside linebacker ranks lack depth, but there is quality at the top in OC Brothers and Clyde Washington. Is Yanni Karlaftis ready for more?

MORE RECRUITING FOCUSES: Cornerbacks | Offensive line

The Boilermakers have no linebackers committed in the Class of 2024, but they have netted one from the Class of 2025 in Keylan Abrams.

Purdue is expected to take two outside linebacker and one inside linebacker in the Class of 2024.

MORE: Gold and Black Radio: Breaking down the ’24 class so far

Targets like DJ Allen (TCU), Desman Stephens (Boston College), Crews Law (North Carolina), Wyatt Gilmore (Purdue didn’t make cut), Elijah King (Rutgers), Edward Smith (Purdue didn’t make cut) and Brandon Davis-Swain (Colorado) are off the board.

Among the priority 2024 linebacking prospects Purdue is pursuing:

OLB Keith Williams. He is a kid the staff really liked at their camp in June. He was a 2023 grad of Catholic Memorial in Wisconsin who has reclassified to 2024 and will do a post-grad season at St. Thomas More.

OLB Jaylin Jones. He took an official visit to Purdue earlier this month. Jones is a rangy athlete who figures to be an outside linebacker, should he land in West Lafayette.

OLB Marquise Lightfoot. Purdue didn’t make the top six for this elite prospect, as Lightfoot lists Alabama, Georgia, Miami (Fla.), Ohio State, USC and Illinois. But, never say “never” with this Purdue staff. Still, he’s a mega longshot. Lightfoot visited unofficially this spring but didn’t take an OV to Purdue.

ILB Elijah Groves: He is slated to pick his school on July 1st, listing a final three of Purdue, N.C. State and Kentucky.

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