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GOLDANDBLACK EXPRESS • VOLUME 25, EXPRESS 27 • 1 BY STACY CLARDIE SClardie@ GoldandBlack.com M aybe not every question was an- swered over Purdue's 15 spring practices, which concluded with Satur- day's spring game in Ross-Ade Stadium. Coach Darrell Hazell isn't sold on the Boiler- makers' talent or who can offer consistent production and depth at defensive end. He wouldn't say he's closer at the end of spring than he was at the start in identifying a clear-cut starting quarterback. He isn't quite sure how the right side of the starting offensive line will shake out in the fall with Martesse Patterson's rise this spring. But those didn't stop Hazell from label - ing his third spring as Purdue's head coach a success. "I can honestly say we've improved in all areas," Hazell said last week. "And it's fun to watch our guys practice now. In schemes and techniques, all those things that you look for to get better in these practices, we've done that. "But the big thing I've seen is we've become more of a football team. We've got guys all going in the right direction. I couldn't say that the first two years. But these guys are understanding what it takes to come together and work together." Among Purdue's clear developments this spring: D.J. Knox emerged as a legiti - mate choice for the team's top running back, a crucial area to identify after los- ing Akeem Hunt and Raheem Mostert; the offense tweaked its look by largely running a no-huddle, varied-tempo style; the strength in the interior defensive line 73.5 Average temperature at kickoff for the last two spring games, as Purdue has had remarkably good weather for the 2014 and 2015 contests. 51 Combined points in the game, the most in any traditionally scored game dating back to 2000. 59 Yardage of Trae Hart's third-quar- ter scoring reception. It was the longest scoring play in a spring game since Carson Wiggs' 67-yard field goal in the 2011 game. 100K+ Dollars raised by the Purdue Challenge 5K run/walk held Saturday. It's a record in the eight years of the event. Darrell Hazell serves as honorary chair and made a large donation based on student participation. THE NUMBERS VOLUME 25, EX 27 • APRIL 20, 2015 Inside | Spring game story 9-10 Marshall feature 12–13 | Notes 14–16 Hammons returns; hoops notes 18-20 'Improved In All Areas' Hazell likes spring strides NOTE: UPCOMING PUBLISHING SCHEDULE Glossy mails May 1 EXPRESS May 22 Tom Campbell Purdue's offense made an important stride this spring: "We're playing with confidence," No. 1 quarterback Austin Appleby said after he helped the Black team to a 28-23 vic- tory over the Gold in the spring game Saturday.