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GOLDANDBLACK EXPRESS • VOLUME 25, EXPRESS 12 • 25 stepping in as true freshmen when they should be redshirted and play- ing major roles in our offense as our starting Z and X. That's a big load for these guys. They've got a long way to go. They're far from perfect. We're far from perfect. We just have to continue to work. "The good thing about them is they want to work and want to get better." MAKING MOVES Entering the season, the team's two biggest question marks were the offensive line and linebackers. Hazell has seen growth in both groups, but he said it's been the de- fensive unit that's really captured his attention. "I'm really impressed at their development and how they con- tinue to get better each week," Ha- zell said. "Those three guys are go- ing to be really good players, Jimmy (Herman), Danny (Ezechukwu) and Ja'Whaun (Bentley). I think those guys are going to be great Big Ten linebackers when all is said and done." Herman, a sophomore, is the starting strongside linebacker, while freshman Bentley moved to the middle after Sean Robinson's injury, allowing red - shirt freshman Ezechukwu to slide into the weakside spot. Bentley leads the group with 65 tackles, including 3.5 for loss, and has three fumble recoveries and an interception. Ezechukwu has been productive since getting his first start, registering 35 tackles in those five games as well as forc- ing two fumbles and snagging an interception. Herman, who missed two games early in the season with a broken thumb, has 48 tackles, in- cluding 1.5 for loss, and two pass breakups. Bentley not only has started ev- ery game, but he hardly comes off the field, quite a feat for not only a first-year player but one who has had to transition to one of the most important positions on the field. "Sometimes you're asked to grow up quickly, whether that is fortunate or unfortunate, (and) he handled it extremely well," Hazell said. "He's really done an unbeliev- able job of doing all the things that Coach (Marcus) Freeman has asked him to do and doing it extremely well, so I'm proud of how he's re- sponded to that." Against Northwestern, Eze- chukwu had seven tackles, an inter- ception, a sack and a forced fumble. "He was all over the place," Ha- zell said. "He's just becoming more and more of a football player, just instinctive, slowing down, just runs Tom Campbell Freshman Ja'Whaun Bentley has started every game in his first season, and he's handled the responsibility of middle linebacker well, Darrell Hazell said. OFFENSE Quarterback: Austin Appleby Running backs: Akeem Hunt, Raheem Mostert, Keyante Green Fullback: Brandon Cottom Wide receivers: Gregory Phillips, DeAngelo Yancey, Shane Mikesky Wide receivers: Trae Hart, Cameron Posey, Myles Norwood Tight ends: Gabe Holmes, Justin Sinz, Dolapo Macarthy Left tackle: David Hedelin Left guard: Jason King Center: Robert Kugler Right guard: Jordan Roos Right tackles: J.J. Prince, Cameron Cermin DEFENSE Defensive ends: Ryan Russell, Evan Panfil Nose guards: Ra'Zahn Howard, Ryan Watson Defensive tackle: Jake Replogle Rush ends: Jalani Phillips, Gelen Robinson Weakside linebackers: Danny Ezechukwu, Dezwan Polk-Campbell Middle linebackers: Ja'Whaun Bentley, Garrett Hudson Strongside linebackers: Jimmy Herman, Andy Garcia Cornerback: Anthony Brown Strong safety: Taylor Richards Free safety: Landon Feichter Cornerbacks: Frankie Williams, Leroy Clark SPECIAL TEAMS Place-kicker: Paul Griggs Holder: Thomas Meadows Long-snapper: Jesse Schmitt Kickoffs: Griggs Punter: Meadows Kick returners: Mostert, Hunt Punt returners: Feichter, Norwood Others: Corey Clements, Jonathan Curry, Robert Gregory, Jordan Jurasevich, D.J. Knox, Collin Link, John Strauser, David Yancey For Coordinator's Corner, click here Thursday morning. PURDUE LINEUPS VS. NORTHWESTERN