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32 GOLD AND BLACK ILLUSTRATED M aybe it wasn't flawless, but the first team's performance in Purdue's no-huddle, varied tempo offense in the camp-closing jersey scrimmage did enough to spark excitement to see what this will look like full-throttle. Four-receiver sets and taking shots downfield in the passing game could be the norm now. Dare we say a potentially explosive group? As long as it doesn't have a bevy of one-minute, three-and- out series, of course. … An encouraging sign in camp was the continued progress of the receiving corps. The starters are solid — and we're including zone-settler Cameron Posey here as a second slot guy — with a rejuvenated DeAngelo Yancey and healthy Danny Anthrop. But even the rest of the two-deep looks prom- ising, especially with the playmaking ability showed by up-and-coming junior Bilal Marshall before his ankle injury and the late-camp surge of newcomer and long-armed Anthony Mahoungou. … Unofficially, Austin Appleby completed 64 percent of his passes running the No. 1 offense during camp, including 7-on- 7 and team periods. He showcased an ability to make a variety of throws, deep opposite sideline, down the seam, into tight windows and, maybe most importantly, delivering balls accurately in crucial "50-50" situations this offense has stressed since the season ended. He earned the starting spot. But he knows he'll have to prove he can limit turnovers and execute "makeable" plays in critical situations to keep it. … Pair dynamic D.J. Knox and No. 2 Markell Jones with an experienced offensive line that appears primed to be a consis- tently nasty, physical group, and it wouldn't be surprising to see Purdue in the top-half of the Big Ten in rushing in 2015. … Though they can line up two tight ends in a formation with confidence in Jordan Jurasevich and redshirt freshman Cole Herdman, don't expect to see that look too much this season. Jurasevich is a capable blocker and tough guy and Herdman is an athletic receiving option who can also line up in the slot, but it's more likely Purdue will stick to its spread, multiple-receiver look as a base. … Cameron Cermin solidified the starting right tackle spot with a quietly solid camp, slipping in alongside trimmed-down and firmed-up guard Jordan Roos to give Purdue a nice combination on the right side. Cermin is stout and swift enough to play a variety of positions — and has — but his athleticism seems to be best-suited for tackle, and he didn't allow much pres- sure off his side throughout camp. j Analysis "It's not too fun because you don't really get the break, and your brain goes a little faster. You have to think a little bit more. Your legs are a little tired after practice, but overall, I think the tempo is something we have to get used to, and it's a great look by our offense." Defensive tackle Jake Replogle