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f o o t b a l l : s p r i n g p r e v i e w Action-Packed Lots on the list for Hazell's first spring BY STACY CLARDIE SClardie@GoldandBlack.com arrell Hazell has a long Dpracticeshis Purdue. to-do list for first spring football at The Boilermakers are installing new systems in all three phases, including an offense that some of the quarterbacks have called "complex." Coaches finally will have a chance to truly evaluate personnel — Hazell didn't watch any game film from last season so he didn't have any "preconceived notions of who is good and who isn't." And there will be plenty of spots to fill, especially on an offense that lost its starting quarterback, running back, two receivers and two offensive linemen. Hazell and his staff will emphasize ball security first and foremost, he said. Another priority will be to make sure special teams plays "lights out." It's an area Hazell thinks can separate the Boilermakers and help them win games. c o m fo r t a b l e with where their minds are, where their heads are and their willingness to want to learn and go hard at it. I'm very comfortable with that. But … we'll find out what Tom Campbell kind of team Austin Appleby will be one of several quarterbacks competing for the we have." starting spot, though first-year coach Darrell Hazell said he won't be Though pressed to make a decision on that until the fall. Hazell doesn't Hazell admittedly isn't comhave much bafortable in any of those areas sis from which to work personnelentering spring, but at least wise, most of his staff watched his team is coming off a strong film from last season, allowing showing over three weeks of 6 the group to set up an "organizaa.m. workouts to give the first- tional depth chart" heading into year coach some optimism. spring. "Where we are going into But Hazell has told his coachspring, coming out of our 6 a.m. es to expect that to be everworkouts, just the mindset and changing, based on performance the attitude of the guys. I think and players knowing their asthey're very eager to learn and signments. get coached hard with tremenFor now, though, senior Rob dous discipline," Hazell said. "I'm Henry will start as No. 1 quar- terback. That's based mostly on The Boilermakers need to Henry being an upperclassmen, find playmakers on offense, too. Hazell said. The other quarterAkeem Hunt was the bigbacks on the roster have no game play guy from the backfield last experience, including likely can- season — he averaged eight didates to start Austin Appleby yards per carry and had three (redshirt freshman), Bilal Marshall touchdowns of at least 40 yards (redshirt freshman) and Danny — but those came in limited opEtling (freshman). portunities. Can he hold up for a It'll be a challenge to get the full season as a featured back? QBs equal reps in practices, but Raheem Mostert has been Hazell said he'd like to have each dynamite as a kick returner, but of them get a chance with the that game-breaking ability has No. 1 unit. It's likely there will be yet to translate consistently to ofa new "No. 1" for each drill as Hazell rotates each QB throughout the units. "I haven't seen them throw one bit, so it'll be exciting to see who can actually throw it," Hazell said with a smile. "Hopefully, they all can throw Trent B Johnson, Agent And I am ready to prove it. 249 E State Street it. But I think, more imWest Lafayette, IN 47906 Call me for your insurance Bus: 765-743-9595 needs and see how it feels to portantly, (we want the trentismyagent.com be on a #1 team. QB to) get us into the Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there. right plays, learn the CALL ME TODAY. system and take care of the ball. That's going to be critical." Quarterback may be the most intriguing battle, but it's far from the only important one. P097275.2 State Farm, Home Office, Bloomington, IL I've got service, yes I do ... ® GoldanDBlack express • volume 23, express 26 • 23