Kicker
Paul Griggs 37
6-1, 196, Sr.
Punter
Thomas Meadows 30
6-0, 182, Sr.
Kick Return
Trae Hart 15
5-10, 168, So.
Anthony Brown 9
5-11, 190, Sr.
Punt Return
Frankie Williams 24
5-9, 190, Sr. (5)
Robinson might be the Boilermaker most critical to
Purdue's defensive success this season. So when he
was arrested in June, on suspicion of DUI, it dealt
Purdue a blow. He'll likely be suspended at least a
couple games. Purdue needs a pass rush from the
edges of its defensive line, an element that's been
missing for years now. Robinson certainly has potential
– his natural ability, strength, mobility isn't a problem
– but whether he's focused enough to turn that into
production is a question. Miles likely now moves in as a
potential starter, but it's a wide-open field.
Middle Linebacker
1. Ja'Whaun Bentley 35
6-2, 260, So.
2. Garrett Hudson 16
6-3, 240, So.
Weakside Linebacker
1. Danny Ezechukwu 36
6-2, 246, So.
2. Andy James Garcia 42
6-0, 228, Jr.
Many think Herman could be on the verge of a breakout. Ask teammates and
coaches to name the defense's best athlete, and the fourth-year linebacker
is often tabbed. Now, Herman needs to start believing it himself. The junior
has the tools — he's tall, rangy, quick and getting more physical — and has
to turn that into consistent production. Because he's matched up in space,
Purdue feels he can turn into a playmaker.
Cornerback
1. Anthony Brown 9
5-11, 190, Sr.
2. Evyn Cooper
6-2, 190, Fr.
Free Safety
1. Robert Gregory 7
6-1, 219, Jr.
2. Brandon Roberts 1
5-11, 198, R-Fr.
Tackle
1. Jake Replogle 54
6-5, 275, Jr.
2. Michael Rouse 97
6-4, 301, Sr. (5)
Rush
1. Gelen Robinson 13
6-1, 250, So.
2. Antoine Miles 11
6-3, 236, So.
Strongside Linebacker
1. Jimmy Herman 29
6-4, 230, Jr.
2. Dezwan Polk-Campbell 19
6-3, 210, So.
Cornerback
1. Frankie Williams 24
5-9, 190, Sr. (5)
2. Da'Wan Hunte 2
5-9, 183, So.
Strong Safety
1. Leroy Clark 3
5-10, 190, Jr.
2. Evan Feichter 27
6-0, 191, Jr.
Williams didn't participate in
spring practice — he was out
with a foot injury — but he
was never far from the action,
standing on the sidelines
to learn as much as he
possibility could himself
and help his teammates.
In the fall, he'll be needed
for the leadership, but his
play will be big too. Over
the years, Williams has
proven to be a valued
defender, because he
can turn opponents
over (seven career
interceptions). But
it is critical that
he stays healthy;
concussions led
to his return to
cornerback, a less
volatile spot, from
safety.
End
1. Evan Panfil 95
6-5, 262, Jr.
2. Jake Replogle 54
6-5, 275, Jr.
Nose Tackle
1. Ryan Watson 92
6-2, 298, Sr.
2. Ra'Zahn Howard 14
6-3, 310, Jr.
Defense
VOLUME 25, ISSUE 6 63
