Langston Newton Granted Waiver to Play Immediately for Purdue

Nov 30, 2013; Bloomington, IN, USA; Purdue Boilermakers cheerleader runs with the flag during the fourth quarter of the game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Memorial Stadium. Indiana won 56-36. Mandatory Credit: Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports

Langston Newton, who transferred from Kentucky to Purdue last month, got some good news when he was granted an “legislative relief waiver” by the NCAA. What this means in plain English, is that Newton will be eligible to play for the Boilermakers straight away this season, instead of the obligatory redshirt season.

The sophomore was granted the waiver, as he transferred to Purdue to be close to his ailing grandfather. Newton had originally chosen Kentucky over a number of schools to join his brother Morgan, who played quarterback and receiver for the Wildcats. Langston redshirted his first season (2012), and didn’t see the field last year.

Newton has a lot to offer Purdue. His size, 6’4 and 260 pounds, will make him an ideal fit for the Boilermakers 3-4 defense, which they switched to midseason, but will stick with going into 2014, although don’t be surprised to see an occasional 4-man line.

His transfer and waiver couldn’t have come at a better time, as Purdue are coming off one of the worst defensive seasons in their history. Coach Darrell Hazell believes Newton can be an impact player in the coming season, citing his smarts and experience in the SEC as useful traits. The Boilermakers sure could use to him to be the force he was at high school at Indiana.