Purdue Football: O.C. Brothers Transfers to Purdue

Purdue lands RS Freshman Auburn linebacker.

O.C. (Octavius) Brothers, a redshirt freshman linebacker from Auburn, announced his intention to transfer to Purdue today, via twitter.

O.C. is a 6’1, 240 pound former 3* (86) recruit out of the 2019 class from Rockledge High School in Southwest Brevard County, Florida. As a recruit, he signed with Auburn over offers from North Carolina and Miami (among others). He was rated by the 247 composite as the 106 overall prospect in Florida, the 811th prospect in the nation, and was the 59th ranked outside linebacker. He will have 4 years of eligibility at Purdue.

What He Brings to the Defense

As you can see from his highlight film, O.C. did a little bit of everything in high school. It’s not often you see tape of a linebacker/corner/wide receiver/quarterback. As a recruit, the swiss army knife was seen as a linebacker, and that’s where he’ll play at Purdue. He’s a high level athlete and plays with a physical style, but his most unique attribute is his coverage ability. He has great ball skills for a linebacker, and looks to be a natural in coverage.

He is an interesting fit with the defense. He brings a bigger, more physical outside linebacker into the fold. In theory, he could provide the Boilermakers with a book end to go with Yanni Karlaftis. This would give Purdue two athletic outside linebackers with coverage skills. That would be a godsent for a defense that struggled to get off the field on 3rd down.

At the same time, depending on the scheme, he is also capable of moving inside. He would give Purdue a linebacker with a little more range in the middle of the field and could potentially help if Purdue wants to run some 2 deep zone. His ability to drop out, get depth, and close on the ball, could serve the next defensive coordinator well….if that’s something they are into.

What’s Next?

Honestly, I didn’t have linebacker as an area of need, but an athletic linebacker with 4 years of eligibility is a welcome addition. Defensive tackle, on the other hand, is still a serious concern in terms of depth and experience. More options hit the transfer market on a daily basis, and I’m sure the Purdue coaching staff is on the phone with most of them. At the same time, it’s probably a hard sell for a grad transfer without a defensive coordinator in place.

Finalizing the coaching staff, above all else, should be priority number 1.