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IllustrateD volume 25, issue 1 23 f "He's spectacular," Hazell said. "I really love what he's doing, just his desire to get back as fast as he did. But then watching how he works on the practice field, it's fun to see him get better each and every day. It's very important to him, and he's going to make a lot of plays for us this year." One word few use when describing Posey, though, is "weapon." It's been the buzzword for the Boilermakers since the spring as coaches and quarterbacks list name after name: Raheem Mostert, Akeem Hunt, Knauf, Danny An- throp, DeAngelo Yancey, Gabe Holmes … Posey, though, seems to get lost in the discussion. Maybe for good reason. Unlike those other players, most of whom possess ei- ther incredible speed or impress as physical specimens, Posey simply is steady, dependable. He has decent speed, but isn't blazing. His biceps are not busting, but he's well-conditioned and muscular. He plays with what Appleby calls a "gritty" approach, but not brash. "It's those intangible things he's gifted with and then he really, really works hard at it. He's probably one of the hardest-working receivers we have," Appleby said. "Sometimes we have to tell him to chill out and let somebody else get some reps because he always wants more, more. That's the kind of guys we want. It's going to pay off for us." Maybe it'll bring some recognition for the receiver, too. Even as a redshirt freshman, Posey quickly gained the trust of Purdue's staff, playing the second-most snaps of any receiver even though tangible production didn't start showing up until the end of the season. In the last three games, Posey caught 14 passes for 150 yards and two touchdowns, surpassing his totals in the first nine games. He hopes he gets as many chances to produce in 2014, especially considering his body feels good and he's been able to use camp to start generating more timing with the QBs. Maybe, even, Posey will have people thinking differently about his game. "I think I'm a reliable guy and I think the team can count on me," Posey said. "If we're in a situation where we need a first down or a big play, I feel like I can go out there and provide that. "I guess you could say I'm not really a flashy guy. I'm not an outside receiver, so I'm (not) the one going down the field, catching a 50-yard bomb, scoring all the touchdowns. I play on the inside, I'm usually catching some short routes. I guess it's more just the position I play. I think with the offense we're running and the more plays we put in, I think that will change and we'll really open it up and the inside receiver will be able to make some more big plays. We'll just see. We'll see if we can change their opinion this year." j When I say "good," you say "neighbor." P097313.1 State Farm, Home Office, Bloomington, IL Call me for your insurance needs and see how it feels to be on a #1 team. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there. ® CALL ME TODAY. Now that's teamwork. Trent B Johnson, Agent 249 E State Street West Lafayette, IN 47906 Bus: 765-743-9595 trentismyagent.com