F o o t b a l l :
S p r i n g
O v e r v i e w
Building Big Ten Strong
Toughness, physicality stressed in Hazell's first spring
BY STACY CLARDIE
SClardie@GoldandBlack.com
O
f all the priorities Coach Darrell
Hazell and his staff had for
their first spring at Purdue, perhaps
none was more important than developing toughness.
That element is crucial to the
Boilermakers' schemes, shifting to
a more run-first, pro style offensive
approach and adopting a swarming,
aggressive defense.
Playing more downhill and not shying away from tackling in the spring
Spring's rising stars
For the first time in nearly a decade, Purdue opened its
practices to media and fans. Here's our take on the most
impressive players in the 13 open practices.
WR Dolapo Macarthy Redshirt sophomore
Skinny: Emerged as the team's best receiver, showcasing his size and reaching out to snatch balls out of
the air consistently. In the absence of suspended O.J.
Ross, he also showed leadership in taking the first spot
in line in drills and encouraging teammates.
C Robert Kugler Redshirt sophomore
Skinny: Though tackle Kevin Pamphile showed
marked improvement over the spring, it was Kugler who
appeared to most consistently win his battles. The firstyear center also quickly took control in the new offense,
which requires him to make calls on the line.
DB Normondo Harris Senior
Skinny: It'd seem Purdue already has its starting
cornerbacks with Ricardo Allen and Frankie Williams, but
Harris will be in the mix for playing time. After starting
the spring with the No. 3 defense, he quickly rose up
in the depth chart, getting some work with the 1s, after
showing a ball-hawking ability and willingness to hit.
Tom Campbell
Danny Etling might be only a true freshman, who
was participating in spring football rather than
attending his prom, but he impressed Purdue's
coaches with his skill and knowledge. He could start
in the fall.
helped foster the attitude on both sides, as Purdue tries to become what coaches and players are
labeling "Big Ten strong."
Offensive line coach Jim Bridge and defensive
line coach Rubin Carter have challenged their
players to be "violent."
That transformation will be especially important up front on offense with that unit now
charged to be more physical in a scheme that will
run regardless of the circumstance, often from
two-back and double-tight end sets. The goal is
to prompt defenses to put eight or nine players
in the box, which could open up big plays in a
play-action passing game.
The offensive line is just fine having that load
on its shoulders, welcoming the idea of being
the engine that makes these Boilermakers surge
ahead.
Gold & Black IllustrateD • volume 23, issue 5com
