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IllustrateD volume 24, issue 5
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f o o t b a l l : d e p t h c h a r t
Defense
Right end
1. Ryan Russell 99
6-5, 275, Sr.
35 tackles, 5.5 TFL, 2 sacks*
Russell had an excellent
spring game, with 3.5 sacks,
but that must be tempered
too, considering he had a
distinct advantage on the
line of scrimmage. But many said Russell
experienced a good spring overall, showing
an increased motor. That's the biggest ques-
tion: Will Russell consistently get after it on
Saturdays in the fall? Only one way to find
out.
2. evan Panfil 95
6-4, 240, So.
nose Tackle
1. Ra'Zahn Howard 93
6-3, 315, So.
4 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 sack,
2 PBU*
Howard certainly looks the
part, and often he plays the
part. He's disruptive at the
point of attack, frequently
pushing aside interior offensive linemen. It's
impressive strength for a second-year player.
But conditioning continues to be a problem,
with Howard probably not yet quite recog-
nizing the focus it takes to get in top-notch
shape. But if he ever does, watch out.
2. Ryan Watson 92
6-2, 306, Jr.
Left end
1. Jake Replogle 54
6-4, 240, So.
13 tackles, 1 TFL*
Replogle shifted inside to a
three-technique (meaning
he's shaded over the guard)
in Purdue's three-man front.
It's probably his best spot,
better than on the edge
where he doesn't quite have the necessary
speed, because he can use strength to his
advantage. And he's getting bigger, with
X-rays showing growth plates haven't yet
closed.
2. Michael Rouse III 97
6-4, 305, Jr.
Jack
1. Jalani Phillips
89
6-4, 260, Sr.
9 tackles, 4 TFL,
2 sacks, 2 PBU*
Purdue mixed in
several Jacks during
the spring, looking
for an answer to one of its most criti-
cal defensive positions. Antoine Miles
started the spring there, but dropped
down the chart; Russell was in for a
moment; and Phillips got the latest
crack. The Boilermakers want a ver-
satile play-making player here. Who is
probably not yet set in stone.
2. Langston newton 59
6-4, 265, So.
Outside Linebacker
1. Jimmy Herman
29
6-4, 220, So.
13 tackles*
Herman practice at
middle linebacker
most of last season
before coaches
shifted him outside for the spring.
He's better suited there, as the rangy
linebacker can use his speed to his
advantage. He took nearly all of the
first-team snaps, an experience that
might help him hold on to his job
through training camp. But he'll be
challenged by a couple newcomers.
2. Collin Link 40
6-2, 210, Sr.
Middle Linebacker
1. sean Robinson
10
6-3, 240, Sr. (5)
45 tackles, 2 TFL,
1 PBU*
Robinson moved to
middle in the middle
of last year, and
coaches liked what they saw. He'll stay
there, and is likely the veteran line-
backer who is most likely to be able to
remain a starter to Game 1. Why? He's
a great leader and has more know-
how about the position than ever
before. Plus, he's in the best shape of
his career and seems intent on having
a good season.
2. Garrett Hudson 16
6-3, 230, R-Fr.
Outside Linebacker
1. Joe Gilliam 39
6-1, 225, Sr.
31 tackles, 2 TFL,
3 PBU, 1 FR*
Ezechukwu started
spring as the No. 1
'backer at this posi-
tion, but he wasn't
able to grasp the defense quickly
enough, dropping him down to the
second unit. Gilliam, Purdue's most
experienced linebacker, moved up.
But is his experience enough to hold
the position, and keep freshmen like
Gelen Robinson or Ja'Whaun Bentley
from challenging? It'll be a position to
watch in the fall.
2. Danny ezechukwu 36
6-3, 240, R-Fr.
Cornerback
1. Anthony Brown 9
5-11, 192, Jr.
69 tackles, 3 TFL,
3 PBU, 1 FF*
After playing — and
starting — as a
safety a year ago,
Purdue's moved
Brown to corner. He
does have some experience there,
at least practice experience, having
split his time between the two posi-
tions as a freshman. But the position
isn't solidified. Lewis will challenge;
he missed parts of spring practice
because of conflicts with his class
schedule.
2. Antoine Lewis 26
5-10, 185, Sr. (5)
strong safety
1. Taylor Richards
4
5-10, 192, Sr.
64 tackles, 1 TFL,
2 PBU, 1 FR*
Richards enters
his third year as a
starter in Purdue's
secondary, giving him a boatload of
experience. He probably needs to be
more consistent, however, and hopes
to be so with now a second season in
Greg Hudson's system. Logan, who
missed the tail end of the spring
with an ankle injury, gives Purdue an
experienced backup.
2. Austin Logan 5
6-0, 190, So.
free safety
1. Landon feichter
44
6-0, 189, Sr. (5)
24 tackles, 1.5 TFL,
1 int., 1 PBU*
Feichter stayed
healthy through
the spring, which
might not seem like much but con-
sidering his slew of injuries last
season (broken wrists, leg), but it's
a lot. He'll need to stay on the field
in '14. Gregory was one of the more
intriguing players of the spring, after
his move over from running back. He
might not grasp defensive nuances
yet, but is a big hitter with a ton of
potential.
2. Robert Gregory 7
6-2, 211, So.
Cornerback
1. frankie Williams
24
5-9, 185, Jr.
61 tackles, 2 TFL,
2 int., 3 PBU*
Purdue likes
Williams' ability as
its No. 1 cornerback.
He's athletic, fast and capable of
making plays. He's got bravado, too,
not a bad trait for his position. Clark,
who started a couple games last
season, could challenge for a starting
role again at the opposite cornerback
position.
2. Leroy Clark 3
5-10, 175, So.
Key * 2013 Season Statistics RED: Missed spring game due to injury — Kyle Charters
