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Gold and Black Illustrated, Vol 26, Digital 6

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GOLD AND BLACK ILLUSTRATED VOLUME 26, ISSUE 6 64 Kicker J.D. Dellinger, 85 6-2, 190, Fr. Punter Joe Schopper 31 6-0, 196, So. Kick Return Jack Wegher 22 5-9, 205, Fr. Jarrett Burgess 80 6-2, 218, So. Punt Return Cameron Posey 18 6-1, 192, Sr. (5) * 2015 Season Statistics Tackle 1. Jake Replogle 54 6-5, 289, Sr. 60 tackles, 14 TFL, 2 sacks, 2 PBU* 2. Langston Newton 59 6-3, 278, Sr. (5) End 1. Austin Larkin 45 6-3, 259, Jr. None* 2. Gelen Robinson 13 6-1, 275, Jr. Danny Ezechukwu is productive against the run, able to use his athleticism to fill gaps and his physicality to bring down runners. But he has struggled — mightily at times last season — when dropping into coverage. But in Ross Els' new scheme, the latter is going to be a priority, because the new coordinator wants his defenders thinking "pass-first." Can Ezechukwu adjust? A big question. And with other experienced 'backers, like Jimmy Herman, the answer might determine who gets the bulk of the snaps alongside Ja'Whaun Bentley. Middle Linebacker 1. Ja'Whaun Bentley 4 6-2, 250, Jr. 49 tackles, 7.5 TFL, 2 PBU* 2. Markus Bailey 21 6-1, 235, R-Fr. Weakside Linebacker 1. Danny Ezechukwu 36 6-2, 240, Jr. 79 tackles, 2 TFL, 1 sack, 1 int., 2 PBU, 1 FR, 1 FF* 2. Jimmy Herman 29 6-4, 230, Sr. (5) In only a year on campus, Eddy Wilson has gained 30-plus pounds, going from 275 when he arrived on campus in the summer of 2015 to the 300-plus he is now. A good thing, because Purdue needs a big, potentially bruising, space-eater in the middle of its defensive line. Is Wilson that? Probably not quite yet, but he's certainly the Boilermakers' best option, now that Ra'Zahn Howard is gone, having decided to leave Purdue. That leaves Wilson as the undisputed No. 1, meaning he'll have to not only play, but play a lot. And he will need to be in top condition to do so. VOLUME 26, ISSUE 6 64 Purdue's guards are going to play a bigger part in the running game, and why not? Between Jason King and Jordan Roos, they are two of the offense's better players. Malone's offense will feature them pulling, using their relative quickness to get out in front of running back Markell Jones. Arguably, Purdue didn't do enough of this last season, leading to a fairly predictable running game. If it opens up this season, with solid lead blocking, then the Boilermakers might be able to lean a bit more on the rush. Right Guard 1. Jordan Roos 70 6-4, 301, Sr. (5) 2. Bearooz Yacoobi 50 6-5, 293, So. Right Tackle 1. Cameron Cermin 66 6-5, 323, Sr. (5) 2. Matt McCann 79 6-6, 314, R-Fr. Wide Receiver 1. Domonique Young 5 6-3, 215, Sr. 21 rec., 276 yards, 1 TD* 2. Jarrett Burgess 80 6-2, 218, So. It will be interesting to see how much the tight ends factor into Purdue's passing offense. They didn't much last season, when Cole Herdman's 18 receptions led the Boilermaker tight ends. But Herdman's more experienced now — he played more snaps than starter Jordan Jurasevich last season — and is thought to be an efficient receiver. Maybe he develops into a safety valve for David Blough. — Kyle Charters Free Safety 1. Robert Gregory 7 6-1, 225, Sr. (5) 50 tackles, 1 int., 1 FR* 2. C.J. Parker 26 6-2, 205, Jr. Cornerback 1. Tim Cason 24 5-11, 195, So. 4 tackles* 2. Mike Little 10 6-0, 175, R-Fr. Strong Safety 1. Leroy Clark 3 5-10, 197, Sr. 88 tackles, 1 TFL, 2 int., 9 PBU* 2. Austin Logan 5 6-0, 200, Sr. Tight End 1. Cole Herdman 88 6-4, 251, So. 18 rec., 139 yards, 2 TDs* 2. Brycen Hopkins 89 6-5, 239, R-Fr. Tom Campbell

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