Purdue Lands Indiana Transfer Running Back

The Boilermakers grab a former 4 star running back

Coach Jeff Brohm is continuing to search for help for the football program. Former four star recruit, and Indiana running back, Sampson James entered his name into the transfer portal for the second time on Wednesday. He had previously entered the portal in March but opted to remove his name in anticipation of returning to IU. Well, today he announced his commitment to Purdue.

The class of 2019 Avon product had a Purdue offer coming out of high school but opted to commit to the Hoosiers. During his two seasons at IU James has carried the ball 113 times for 373 yards. That amounts to just over 3.3 yards per carry. James scored three touchdowns in his first season but 0 during the Covid shortened 2020 season. James hasn’t been utilized in the passing game much as over two seasons he’s caught just three passes for 30 yards.

Sampson will join a running back room that already has proven players like Zander Horvath and King Doerue. As of this writing there is no indication on if Sampson would be eligible for this coming season, it’s awfully late in the game for that, but the NCAA has been handing out waivers like they are candy so one never knows. Regardless, Sampson seems like he will give these two a run for their money as soon as he is eligible. It’s always good to have big strong bodies in the running back room.

This marks the second transfer from IU that Purdue has landed this off-season. Earlier in the summer Purdue landed a commitment from Damarjhe Lewis.