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GOLD AND BLACK ILLUSTRATED VOLUME 25, ISSUE 5 38 A glance at the defense is telling: The group, as a whole, looks bigger, more phys- ically imposing and — one hopes — sig- nificantly tougher. But it'll still need to ac- tually prove that its new look develops into consistent play on Saturdays. Because if Purdue can't stop the run in the Big Ten West, with Wisconsin, Nebraska, Iowa and Minnesota, it's likely not winning consistent- ly. … It's hard not to like the linebackers, particularly Mike Ja'Whaun Bentley, whose size is rivaled by few at his position in Purdue's history. He's at 260 now, about 10 pounds heavier than last season, but at what point is big too big? Word is still out on Jimmy Herman, but coaches rave about him, liking his athleticism to the point they're willing to let him cover the slot. He could be the group's biggest playmaker. … Safety Robert Gregory can smack people, as he showed yet again on a hit of Trae Hart in the jersey scrimmage. But he can't just be out there seeking to punish op- ponents. He needs to follow assignments, use technique, play smart; if he doesn't, Purdue will give up big plays, because safeties often are the last line of defense. … Purdue's depth at corner is concerning. Why? Because Purdue has no depth at corner. Frankie Williams will return to a starting spot, shifting Da'Wan Hunte to a reserve role, probably the best place for him right now. But the trio, including Anthony Brown, is it. A freshman will play in the fall, provided Purdue can get one ready. … The most intriguing defensive prospect remains Gelen Robinson, who has talent but is still extremely raw techni- cally. At times during position drills, his bal- ance would look all out of whack, but then he'd go make a play in 11-on-11. Purdue needs more of the latter. Focus is key and one has to wonder whether allowing him to wrestle and throw the shot in the offsea- son was time well spent … Nose Ra'Zahn Howard has skill, but maturity? That's still a work in progress. He's going to have to work to get a starting spot back. But Mi- chael Rouse's emergence — he was barely on the radar last season, a backup on the scout team — has helped lessen the need. Scouting The Defense — Kyle Charters Analysis