Jay Simpson has never started a varsity game at Champaign (Ill.) Central High School and won’t turn 16 until Dec. 3.

At least the sophomore knows where he wants to play college basketball: Purdue.

Simpson committed to the Boilermakers, becoming the third recruit in the Boilers’ 2012 class.

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He also was being recruited by Illinois, Iowa and Xavier, but only Purdue had offered a scholarship to the player who will graduate from high school in 2012.

“First of all, I really like the coaching staff,” Simpson said. "Purdue is not far from home, yet I will be going away to college, which I like.

“It’s a great situation … just a great fit. I came over to Purdue a couple of weeks ago for an unofficial visit and watched practice. They showed me a lot of love. The players were great. I also like that Purdue is very much a program on the rise.”

The Boilermakers are ranked seventh in The Associated Press’ Top 25 preseason poll after winning 27 games last season.

Simpson, 6-8, describes himself as a combo forward.

“I’m working on my perimeter skills so I can play either forward position,” said Simpson, who was a junior varsity starter last season at Champaign Central.

According to Scott Davis, the Champaign Central varsity coach since 1993, Simpson played several varsity minutes in a mop-up role last season. Davis said Simpson almost certainly will be a varsity starter this season.

“He has a great body for a high school sophomore,” Davis said. "He has a Big Ten frame. At the same time, he shoots well from the perimeter and has 3-point range.

“I like that he handles the ball well, is a fluid player and plays under control. Jay is a real athletic kid. In three years, he is going to give coach Painter some nice options. Jay will blend in well in that program.”

Champaign Central is a member of the same conference that sent Decatur Eisenhower point guard Lewis Jackson to Purdue.

Davis coached current Indiana University guard Verdell Jones at Champaign Central.

Jones’ younger brother, Clayton, is in Simpson’s class and could be in Davis’ starting lineup this season, too.

“I will have the state of Indiana covered — one at IU and one at Purdue,” Davis said. “I have a deceased brother who attended Purdue, so I’m sure he would be happy with Jay’s decision.”