One of the first items on Darrell Hazell's lengthy to-do list as Purdue's new football coach was a trip up I-65 to meet David Yancey and make sure a stay in West Lafayette was still part of the Lake Central star's plans.
Check. Done.
Yancey reaffirmed his commitment to the Boilermakers after a home visit from Hazell on Monday.
"He called me Sunday and asked what the fastest way to my house was," Yancey said. "I wasn't really sure he was going to come the next day. It really shows how much he wants me on board. He's ready to get the job done and so am I. We're both jumping right in."
Hazell is still doing double duty, finishing up with Kent State, which plays in the GoDaddy.com Bowl on Jan. 6. That same day, Yancey plans to be on campus at Purdue to register for several classes. He is graduating mid-term from L.C. on Dec. 21.
"I really didn't want to wait until the summer time to come in, with the season in full swing," Yancey said. "This way, I'll get a semester ahead on school work, get used to being on campus, bond with the team and get my body ready for football season."
During the home visit, Yancey clarified how Hazell saw him fitting in to the offense and was happy with what he heard.
"He said he liked my versatility, how I can split out at receiver, play quarterback or running back," Yancey said. "I really wanted to make sure I had a feel for what he thought. He said I fit his system perfectly and he plans to use my skills appropriately."
Yancey said Hazell praised him for his leadership in keeping the incoming recruits together during the change. Based on his visit, he can reassure the other newcomers about their future coach.
"Everyone I've talked to so far is excited about it," Yancey said. "Everyone's on board, 100 percent with Purdue. He's a great guy, a great coach. I get along with him very well, but he's also very intense. You can really tell he wants to turn Purdue around and make them a national championship contender."
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