GBI Magazine

"It's really cool to see the best in the business running the exact same plays we're running out here and it's going to carry over," Appleby said. "Hopefully, we can run it as good as them." 'Marquee' back in making? Tom Campbell By the end of the spring, Purdue had several projected starters out with injuries, including defensive end Greg Latta, who had a foot issue. class." Appleby called the terminology "advanced," and that's largely because Shoop, a former NFL offensive coordinator, is bringing that kind of a pro offense to the Boilermakers. He has focused on teaching quarterbacks concepts, not just plays, as he's trying to expand their football knowledge. Shoop often showed his group video of NFL quarterbacks, telling them if they're trying to be the best, they need to learn from the best. He'd show how Peyton Manning ran a drill or a play, telling them, "This is what we want to do." With Ralph Bolden and Akeem Shavers no longer around to take the bulk of the carries and little running back depth in the backfield this spring, junior Akeem Hunt finally had an opportunity to prove he can be an every-down back. Though running backs coach Jafar Williams didn't like the idea of naming anyone No. 1 — he wanted each player to come hungry and willing to work each practice — it was clear that Hunt emerged in that role. There's never been a question of Hunt's speed or his big-play ability. He averaged 10.1 yards per touch last season on offense and also returned a kickoff for a touchdown. But can Hunt's 5-foot-9 frame handle the pounding of double-digit carry games? The jury on that may still be out. In the spring game, Hunt reeled off 134 yards on 19 carries and a TD. But with the squads split, Hunt wasn't working against Purdue's No. 1 defense and was able to get outside and break plays with his speed. But Hunt wants to be more than just a guy Purdue give the ball on "the speed sweep." "I'm really motivated," said Hunt, who added 15 pounds since training camp last season and is up to 190. "Day in and day out, I'm doing push ups if I'm not in the weight room. I'm taking protein shakes, trying to get bigger but keep my speed. I just want to be an everyday back and run between the tackles." Hazell thinks he can be, pointing to the handful of plays in the spring game when Hunt finished runs hard by lowering a shoulder and getting a couple tough yards. "I have a lot of confidence in him," Hazell said. "I think he's a marquee guy in this league because he does have some balance and in-line quickness, and he's got top-end speed to take it the distance. "The key for him is to get stronger in the offseason and continue to learn the game. But where he is right now, I think he's going to be pretty special if he keeps working at it." j Gold & Black IllustrateD • volume 23, issue 5com

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