Gold and Black is a multi-platform media company that covers Purdue athletics like no one else.
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/339722
18 ILLUSTRATED VOLUME 24, ISSUE 6 f the offseason, you can kind of take a breath and explain why we were doing everything we were doing. I've just really come a long, long way since last year of learning coverages and understanding what coverages are and why people are coming and understanding each zone has to be covered in some way and if it isn't, you can take advantage of it." With more knowledge, Etling's physical skills could thrive. He's a solidly built, thick, 230-or-so pounder who will stand in the pock- et until the last minute to deliver a ball, but he's also shown an ability to escape and create time for plays. His 56 percent accuracy from 2013 must be im- proved as must taking care of the ball better with Big Ten defenses bearing down (seven interceptions, three lost fumbles). But some think he's ready to break through. Several teammates and coaches point to Etling's final three games as a starter as proof of his potential. Etling admittedly was "terrible" in his first three ap- pearances and said he still cringes when watching that film — "I learned more than I'd learned ever playing in a football game at any level in my career" in that stretch, he said. But later, he started to feel more relaxed and comfortable. Against Penn State, Illinois and Indiana, he complet- ed 67 percent of his passes for 871 yards, six touch- downs and two interceptions. "He really came a long way last season, took some shots and he matured real quick," receiver B.J. Knauf said. "I think those games made him realize what he got himself into and what he has to do be that elite, Cradle of Quarterbacks player. I think he's going to be more prepared than ever coming into this camp and this season. "We expect big things for him this year. He's got a RUNNING BACKS Seniors 40 Kendrick Adams 6-0 226 25 Brandon Cottom 6-2 265 1 Akeem Hunt 5-9 185 8 Raheem Mostert* 5-11 190 Junior 2 Jonathan Curry 6-1 242 Redshirt freshmen 4 Keith Byars II 5-9 196 23 Keyante Green 5-9 211 28 David Yancey 5-10 214 Freshman 27 D.J. Knox 5-9 200 * Projected starter Tom Campbell Raheem Mostert hasn't had much productivity on offense in his career, playing sparingly at receiver and running back his first three seasons. But when given a chance to earn more playing time in the spring, the senior seized it and projects as the No. 1 back for 2014.