Running Back
Player Listing
Class: Junior
Ht/Wt: 5'10"/186
Hometown: Wheaton, Il.
Quoting Coach Jackson: "Did it all for us on the field this spring, and I think he will be a complete player and leader for us this fall."
2008: Academic All-Big Ten ... appeared in all 12 games as reserve and on special teams ... had nine carries for 34 yards (3.8 average) ... caught one pass for two yards ... recorded 10 tackles (8 solo, 2 assists) on special teams ... recovered a short kickoff vs. Oregon on Sept. 13 ... had six carries for season-high 24 yards vs. Indiana on Nov. 22.
2007: Appeared in all 13 games, including one start ... had 42 carries for 181 yards (4.3 average) and two touchdowns ... caught five passes for 52 yards (10.4 average) ... recorded 11 tackles (10 solo, 1 assist) on special teams ... rushed for career-high 54 yards and a touchdown vs. Eastern Illinois on Sept. 8 ... caught four passes for 44 yards (11 average) vs. Ohio State on Oct. 6 ... made first career start at Michigan on Oct. 13 ... had three special teams tackles (2 solo, 1 assist) vs. Central Michigan in Motor City Bowl on Dec. 26.
High School: Three-star prospect and ranked No. 50 running back nationally by Rivals.com ... ranked as No. 22 player in Illinois by Rivals.com ... named Illinois Player of the Year by Gatorade and Chicago Sun-Times and Chicago Tribune Player of the Year as senior after rushing for 2,509 yards (8.1 average) and 37 touchdowns ... rushed for 141 yards and two touchdowns in state championship game victory over Mt. Carmel ... totaled 2,020 yards rushing and 35 touchdowns his junior year and 1,780 yards and 26 touchdowns as sophomore ... set school records for career rushing yards (6,309) and touchdowns (98) ... coach was Ron Muhitch ... prep teammate of fellow Boilermaker Kurt Lichtenberg ... also participated in track and field and wrestling.
Personal: Given name is Daniel James Dierking ... born June 15, 1988 ... management major ... enjoys hunting, fishing, attending church and hanging out with friends ... father, Scott, was fullback at Purdue from 1973 to 1976 and ranks fourth in school history with 2,863 rushing yards ... named first team All-Big Ten as senior ... subsequently played in National Football League for New York Jets (1977-83) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1984) ... mother, Erin, graduated from Purdue and sister, Caitlin, attends Purdue.
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Player Listing