GBI Express

Gold and Black Express Vol 25, EX 120

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GOLDANDBLACK EXPRESS • VOLUME 25, EXPRESS 20 • 10 receivers. He anticipates graduating in the fall of 2016 with a double ma- jor in retail management and sales management. He's hoping to land in a business or promotions-related field. "We're happy for B.J. His body has taken a lot, and it's the best for the young man," Hazell said even before Knauf confirmed he was done. "I support his decision." ACTIVE SEARCH Hazell said he wanted to wait until signing day to turn his atten- tion to filling the empty spot on the coaching staff. Now, it's his top pri- ority, and he'll bring candidates in this week to interview. But whether those candidates are for the open receivers coaching slot or another one on the staff re- mains to be seen. Hazell said he could shake up his current staff. Perhaps that could mean moving tight ends coach Gerad Parker, who played receiver in college and had coaching expe- rience there, and then filling the tight ends coaching spot. Running backs coach Jafar Williams, another former college receiver, also has coaching experience at receiver. "I just want to find the best matchup for all five positions on our offense," Hazell said last week. INJURY UPDATE As expected, a few key offen- sive pieces will miss spring practice. Tackles J.J. Prince and Cameron Cermin each had surgery surgeries in the offseason, and Prince is await- ing a second shoulder surgery, Ha- zell said. Receiver Danny Anthrop is "ahead of schedule" from his surgery to repair a torn ACL, but his project- ed return date is later this summer. Reserve defensive lineman Langston Newton is wearing a walking boot. SWITCHING IT UP Purdue's starting cornerback tandem should be solid next sea- son, but the back half of the second- ary could be suspect. Hazell said Frankie Williams will stay at cornerback to try to "keep him protected" — Williams has a his- tory of concussions — but that will mean a move for redshirt freshman Brandon Roberts. Roberts played cornerback throughout practices during his first season, and now he'll be a safety alongside classmate Tim Cason, who was moved from corner during the season. Robert Gregory and Austin Logan, who has starting experience, are the other likely op- tions at safety. After a solid junior campaign, Anthony Brown will man the other cornerback spot. WAKE ON SCHEDULE Purdue still needs to add a cou- ple games to its upcoming sched- ules, but at least 2026 and 2027 have some names already. The school announced a home-and-home series against Wake Forest last week. Purdue will host the Demon Deacons on Sept. 12, 2026, and then travel to Winston- Salem, N.C., for a game in Sep- tember 2027. HARDWICK DONE Nick Hardwick had con- templated retirement for two years. He finally pulled the trig- ger last week after 11 seasons with the San Diego Chargers. The former Boilermaker was a third-round pick in 2004 and played 148 regular-season games and 10 postseason games. He had started 54 con- secutive, counting playoffs, at one point. He made the Pro Bowl in 2006. "The Hardwick family was built on hard work, toughness and respect," he said. "And I hope I've shown that." Hardwick started expe- riencing numbness in his hands for weeks during train- ing camp because of nerve impingements, the San Di- ego Union-Tribune reported. The problem continued, producing the stinger he had in the season open- er, and that's when he knew he was finished. Hardwick, 33, said he will pur- sue opportunities in the media, in- cluding serving as a co-host on an afternoon radio station in San Di- ego. j The iPad app is available at the App store. Search "Gold and Black" for an easy download. The app is created for your Newsstand on your iPad and will download directly there. It does NOT download as a separate app on your desktop. The digital edition of Gold and Black Illustrated, including 30 issues of Gold and Black EXPRESS includes all the great content you have come to expect, plus special features such as video and audio content and the best in social media updates. • Immediate delivery — no waiting for postal service • Searchable archive of back issues • Available on desktops and laptops and now optimized for the iPad • One-click access through e-mail bulletin which allows easy access. Just make sure we have your e-mail address. Contact us at 1-800-876-GOPU or GNBManager@aol.com if we can answer any questions. on the iPad Access Included for all print subscribers!

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