Former Iowa wide receiver and kick returner Charlie Jones, who was the Big Ten's return specialist of the year in 2021, will enroll at Purdue as a graduate transfer, a source confirmed to The Athletic's Matt Fortuna. Rivals' Tom Dienhart was the first to report the news.
Jones was the only player nationally to average more than seven yards on at least 30 punt returns. As a kickoff returner, he was one of only three players to average more than 25 yards on 25 or more returns. Jones returned a punt for a touchdown against Michigan State in 2020 and a kickoff for a score against Illinois in 2021.
Jones could help alleviate Purdue's loss of Cleveland Browns' third-round draft pick and All-American receiver David Bell and potentially holdover Milton Wright, whose status for this fall is uncertain.
Last year, Jones compiled 469 offensive snaps, the most of any Iowa receiver. His 37 targets ranked fourth and his 21 catches and 323 receiving yards were third among Iowa receivers. Overall, Jones produced 1,251 all-purpose yards on offense and special teams.
(Photo: Matthew Holst / Getty Images)
What does this mean for Iowa?
Scott Dochterman, Iowa beat writer: The Hawkeyes are down to only three experienced receivers from an offense that struggled mightily through the air. Iowa ranked 109th in yards per game (180.1), 114th in yards per pass (6.2) and 113th in completion percentage (55.0). Not only do the Hawkeyes lose a valuable weapon, they lose him to a divisional rival that has beaten Iowa four of the last five years. Plus, Jones joins former Iowa receiver Tyrone Tracy Jr., who transferred to Purdue in December.
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What does this mean for Purdue?
Matt Fortuna, national college football reporter: This is a huge get for Purdue, which lost top receiver David Bell to the draft and looks like it might be without Milton Wright, who is reportedly academically ineligible and was in line to be the Boilermakers’ top target. Purdue’s offense is definitely different from Iowa’s, making it more receiver-friendly. And Jones will get a chance to reunite with star QB Aidan O’Connell, a fellow suburban Chicago native whom he had played with on the area youth circuit while growing up. Purdue had also brought in receiver transfers Tyrone Tracy (also from Iowa) and Elijah Canion (from Auburn) as well.
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