Gold and Black is a multi-platform media company that covers Purdue athletics like no one else.
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/141859
him. He possesses the physical tools to be really good. Hazell and Shoop think this unit can develop into We talked about him having to get stronger and put a little bit more weight on (to play) in this conference, the offense's strength. but talk about a guy who understands the game and It has to. really studies the game." Quickly. But who joins Kugler, Pamphile and Kitchens in the Step No. 1 is finding a group of five who will start consistently, and that won't be done until training starting unit? First-year O-line coach Jim Bridge rarely had the camp. Entering camp, it appears as though three spots are same combinations this spring, swapping out playlocked in with left tackle Kevin Pamphile, right tackle ers on a seemingly weekly basis. But the top options, at least, seem clear. Upperclassmen Cody Davis and Justin Kitchens and Kugler at center. Both Pamphile and Kitchens have had quite the Devin Smith and redshirt freshmen Jason King and journey, starting out as defensive linemen before be- Jordan Roos likely will be battling for the two guard ing converted to the offensive side and ultimately mov- spots. Smith, a transfer, started the first six games at right ing into starting roles. They both started nine games guard last season before getting bumped by Kugler. last season, flip-flopping early in the year before Trevor Davis doesn't have any starting experience and has Foy was sidelined. seen action in only a handful of games in the last two Now, they finally feel settled. After struggling early in his first full season as a seasons. King and Roos have similar builds, both about 6-footstarter last year, Pamphile ended the season strong and continued to make strides in the spring. So much 5, 305 pounds, but moved well in the spring. Roos also so, he said he feels like he can be a "dominant" player. showed a bit of nastiness during spring practices, barking after plays and enjoying being aggressive. Kitchens agreed. That's exactly what this unit is going to need for this "He probably looks the most like a professional ofoffense to be what Shoop envisions. fensive lineman on our whole team," It's what Purdue is going to need to Kitchens said after the spring game. The offensive accomplish its goals. Kugler may not be far behind. line "We're going to try to be an agTaking advantage of his pedigree Fifth-year seniors gressive, attacking, dominant front," — dad Sean was an NFL offensive 59 Cody Davis* 6-5 286 6-7 300 Kugler said. "We want to be known for line coach before taking a college 78 Trevor Foy 51 Justin Kitchens* 6-4 294 head coaching job at UTEP for 2013 — 52 Henry Lorenzen 6-2 283 our run blocking, our aggressiveness Kugler showed poise, savvy and some 64 Kevin Pamphile* 6-5 300 and our finishing and kind of just being mean. We need to get to that and skill to shoot into the starting lineup Senior 71 Devin Smith* 6-7 320 make sure everybody is doing that. at guard in Game 7 last season. Juniors "We may not be as big as the MichKugler has just as tight of a grasp 75 Josh Davis 6-5 300 igan offensive line or Wisconsin's, on his new position. Even though he's 54 Jack De Boef 6-7 290 but I just think the mentality we have undersized at 290-or-so pounds, he's Sophomores 6-4 257 is geared toward that, that physical, had some experience playing there 60 Chuck Ayres 57 Robert Kugler* 6-3 280 downhill running style. The guys we and has used his intelligence to sep- Redshirt freshmen have right now are guys that want to arate himself despite his age. 66 Cameron Cermin 6-5 300 be physical and run the ball. That's Kugler calls it being "football 72 Jason King 6-4 305 73 J.J. Prince 6-6 275 what it takes. You don't have to all be aware." 70 Jordan Roos 6-5 305 6-7, 310 pounds to do it." j His coaches see it. 77 Joey Warburg 6-5 260 "I really like him," Hazell said. "I Freshman like his mindset, how he approaches — Jason Tretter 6-6 300 the game and how important it is to * Projected starters OFFENSIVE LINE 26 • Gold and Black IllustrateD • volume 23, issue 6 GBIprint.com GoldandBlack.com