The coaching staff at Purdue isn't guaranteed to have jobs after this weekend, but that hasn't stopped efforts on the recruiting trail. Those efforts paid off in a big way on Wednesday, as the Boilermakers nabbed a commitment from three-star Hilton Head Island (S.C.) wide receiver Tyler Hamilton.
"I really like the educational opportunity there and it's a great Big 10 school," Hamilton, the No. 10 ranked played in the state of South Carolina said.
Because of the coaching situation at Purdue, where Gerad Parker is currently installed as the interim head coach, the timing of Hamilton's decision may raise some eyebrows. However, Parker has been Hamilton's primary recruiter for quite some time and Hamilton said he's hoping Parker remains as part of the staff.
"I still love the coaching staff," Hamilton said. "They told me that they will find out about a new coach in a couple of days but I'm not worried about it because I'm getting a good education."
Hamilton has been on the recruiting scene since his freshman year and garnered early offers from Texas, Tennessee, West Virginia and others. But he said after an offseason visit to Purdue, the Boilermakers became a viable option.
"I loved the campus when I was there," Hamilton said. "I plan to go back for an official visit soon."
Hamilton said his plan is to officially visit West Lafayette before the December dead period, assuming Purdue has a new coach in place by that time. Hamilton is commitment No. 14 in the class for the Boilermakers and the first since Darrell Hazell's firing in October.