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Purdue gets surprise by inking massive tackle Harkless

On3 imageby:Tom Dienhart•12/22/22•

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Photo by Jeffrey Lee, AuburnLiveOn3

Everyone likes a surprise. And Purdue received one on Wednesday with a commitment from Jamarrion “Chops” Harkless.

Perhaps receiving a letter-of-intent from Harkless wasn’t a surprise once you learn his background. Last summer, he was committed to Illinois, where new Purdue coach Ryan Walters was the defensive coordinator under Bret Bielema.

Back then, Harkless had developed a relationship with Walters and Fighting Illini outside linebackers coach Kevin Kane, who is now the Boilermaker defensive coordinator.

“I have a great relationship with Coach Kane and Coach Walters,” said Harkless, who hails from Lexington, Ky., where he played for Frederick Douglass High. “Even though I de-committed from Illinois, it was a tough decision for me.”

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But, as things would turn out, Harkless would have a chance to re-unite with Walters and Kane.

After the 6-4 Harkless de-committed from the Illini, he gave a pledge to Auburn. But, there was a coaching change for the Tigers, as Bryan Harsin and the school parted ways and Hugh Freeze was hired.

“I went to Auburn, it was like a dream school,” said Harkless. “But with a new hire, they pulled my offer.”

Enter Purdue.

“As soon as he was named head coach, I’d say we were talking the next day,” said Harkless of Walters. “Having the chance to come back with him says a lot.”

Harkless told the Boilermaker brass he was coming two days ago, giving Walters a pledge despite not visiting the campus. What’s Purdue getting? Harkless is a true nose tackle in a 3-4 defense, a similar space eater-type Walters had at Illinois

“I can clog the hole up pretty good,” said Harkless. “At 325, I can move pretty good for my weight. I’m also good with my technique, and I’m quick off the ball.”

He’ll join fellow d-linemen Will Heldt and Drake Carlson in Purdue’s 2023 class, which had seen two defensive linemen flip to Louisville after Jeff Brohm left: Micah Carter and Saadiq Clements.

Standout d-tackle Kendrick Gilbert has committed but has yet to sign. He could wait until the second signing period in February to ink, with Kentucky believed to be a contender.

The early signing period ends December 23. A second signing day window opens from February 1-April 1, 2023. Purdue received letters-of-intent from 12 players today.

“I’m just happy to be a Boilermaker,” said Harkless.

So, why is he called “Chops”?

“Got it from my auntie as a little kid,” he said. “That nickname hasn’t gotten old since.”

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