GBI Magazine

Gold and Black Illustrated, Vol 27, Digital 1

Gold and Black is a multi-platform media company that covers Purdue athletics like no one else.

Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/719745

Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 10 of 78

GOLD AND BLACK ILLUSTRATED VOLUME 27, ISSUE 1 11 Who Has The Most To Prove In 2016? Kyle Charters In the spring, Darrell Hazell said Martesse Patterson is a "next-level" guy, meaning the left tackle has the skill set to play in the NFL. Maybe so. But lumping that kind of expectation on a sophomore who has started only three games previously creates a bit of pressure, to say the least. Patterson's going to have to prove he's worthy of such praise, starting this season, when he takes over arguably the line's most critical position. He was inserted there in the spring, even though he was about 30 pounds overweight. And although he did all of that in the offseason, his camp wasn't perfect. His still is not in top condition — he didn't finish his "gassers" during the first post-camp practice in August — leading to questions about whether he'll be able to play a whole game. For him to be the kind of player Hazell expects, he's going to have to go extended periods. Can't be a part- time player and be great. Patterson has the tools, he's big and strong and athletic, but he has to show his performance can take a big step forward. Stacy Clardie This has to be David Blough, doesn't it? From sheer position alone and its recent history at Purdue. It's not even so much about Blough himself. He's only a third-year sophomore with eight games of starting experience. It's rough to pile pressure of "most to prove" on a young guy who's just trying to develop. But it is what it is, and Blough knows it. Good thing is there's no doubt Blough is a better quarterback heading into his second season as a starter — he's more poised in the pocket, more knowledgeable about defenses, more confident in his reads and in better shape by trimming 2 percent body fat. Better thing? He wants to prove he can be the guy to carry Purdue, to lead a resurgence out of the Big Ten cellar. This summer, even before he officially was named the starter for 2016, he talked about that burden. And how it's really not one. "I know I'm the guy, I touch the ball every single play of the game, so I could really screw something up," he said. "But, flip side, I could really make it something great." The number of students at Boiler Gold Rush. All gathered into a couple sections of Ross-Ade Stadium for a group pic- ture. They will be part of the Purdue Class of 2020. Candidates that received consideration from the A.D. search committee and search firm before the selection of Mike Bobinski. Despite the number, Mike Berghoff and staff kept the process under wraps, with news of Bobinski's hire leak- ing only 30 minutes before the press conference. Purdue's commitment total as of Aug. 24, four more than a year ago at this time. The list includes three cor- ners, two offensive linemen (including Rob Hudson above), two QBs and two defensive linemen, among others. It ranks 61st in the country, as of Aug. 24, per Rivals.com. Purdue's place in the Directors' Cup final standings, buoyed by top finishes by men's and women's track and field at the NCAA Cham- pionships (13th and 15th, respectively) and women's swimming and diving (23rd). By The Numbers 7,000 50+ 13 45 Photos by Purdue (stadium, track); Tom Campbell (Bobinski/Berghoff); Kyle Charters (Hudson) Photo by Purdue

Articles in this issue

Links on this page

Archives of this issue

view archives of GBI Magazine - Gold and Black Illustrated, Vol 27, Digital 1