Rivals: Lely's Faustin verbally commits to Purdue

Needing to replenish its secondary for next season, Purdue has scored its second 2010 commitment for the defensive backfield.

Naples (Fla.) Lely cornerback Jhony Faustin told Boilermaker coaches Saturday he was committing, but finalized the pledge with head coach Danny Hope on Wednesday evening.

The Rivals.com three-star prospect committed to Purdue over offers from Pittsburgh, Maryland, Florida International and Middle Tennessee State, he said. Several others were interested.

"The coaching staff, I like them," Faustin said. "I called them or they called me every week. I'd talk to Coach (Lou Anarumo) every week. I felt comfortable with the coaching staff."

Faustin expects to officially visit Purdue, seeing it for the first time, for the Ohio State game next month.

The 5-foot-10, 170-pounder says he runs the 40-yard dash in 4.4 seconds.

"They told me they'd like me to come in as a true freshman and try to compete for a starting spot," Faustin said. "They like the way I play physically and they think I have good feet and things like that."

Through two games this season, Faustin has 14 tackles, an interception and four breakups for Lely.

"I think I can cover well and support the run well," Faustin said, "but I think things I need to work on are my technique and my ball skills."

Faustin becomes Purdue's 12th new high school commitment for 2010. Tight end Gabe Holmes, a 2009 holdover, should also be part of that signing class.

The Boilermaker coaches have commitments now from two DBs, the other being safety E.J. Johnson.