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GOLD AND BLACK ILLUSTRATED OLUME 26, ISSUE 5 48 48 GOLD AND BLACK ILLUSTRATED was in the backfield all spring, and though he couldn't technically "sack" quarterbacks because they were off-limits, he made sure they felt his presence. He's strong, he's fast, he's relentless and he's technically sound. He's probably the team's best player. It will be interesting to see if he can make strides this offseason as a vocal leader, an area he says needs improvement. Regardless, he's a no-doubt pick for captain. … Now if only class- mate Evan Panfil can carry his productive spring into the season to give Purdue a chance at a disruptive front. Panfil looked more athletic in pass rush over the spring, perhaps because he focused less on bull-rushing and more on devel- oping counter moves off the edge. He's certainly big enough to be a run-stuffer — and he has been — but the Boilermakers must generate chaos up front to take pressure off the secondary. Panfil's progression would go a long way to doing that, as would a more consistent motor on ridiculously strong Gelen Robinson at the other end spot. … Robinson may be relegated to backup reps with the arrival of Austin Larkin. The transfer impressed first-year line coach Randy Melvin with a willingness to listen and learn, and Larkin's ath- leticism and motor could help with an edge rush. ... Linebacker still is the position with the most proven depth, though it could be a challenge to get multiple guys considerable snaps with the defense. It'd be a shame for Markus Bailey not to get on the field. He's one of the most instinctive, tech- nically sound and smartest guys in the unit and one who doesn't seem to make the same mistake very often. He may only be a second-year player, but his motor and the way he responds to coaching should land him some game snaps. But where? Marcus Freeman trains all his guys to play mul- tiple spots — but Bailey certainly won't leap-frog Ja'Whaun Bentley (nor should he) in the middle, which means he could be fighting Danny Ezechukwu and Jimmy Herman, guys with starting experience. Ezechukwu was forced to address his admitted weakness this spring — playing in space — and he made progress while getting more reps with Herman on the sidelines recovering from shoulder surgery. ... Ra'Zahn Howard's apparent lack of urgency to meet his suspension conditions is disappointing. Probably would be best for the team if he didn't return, even with the poor depth inside.