GBI Express

volume 23, eX 1 • august 29, 2012 Inside | The Opening Drive 1-4 | A look at EKU 7-10 Robert Maci feature 14–15 | Recruiting 28-29 More Adjustments SClardie@GoldandBlack.com BY STACY CLARDIE Purdue didn't suffer a significant injury in son opener against Eastern Kentucky. But there was upheaval nonetheless. And at a position that could ill-afford any hits. With Dwayne Beckford suspended indefi- nitely aſter more legal issues — he missed all of the spring because of arrests and pleaded guilty in July to two misdemeanors — Purdue once again will be forced to make seemingly last- minute adjustments heading into a season. Like it did last season when Rob Henry the weeks of practice leading up to its sea- pears to be the one in line to start in Week 1 in the middle alongside Will Lu- cas at weakside and first- time starter Robert Maci at strongside. Coach Danny Hope Still, Gilliam ap- called Gilliam the team's fourth-best linebacker (counting Beckford) in fall practices, so he' went down with a knee injury in camp, this shake-up will push inexperienced players to the forefront. Sophomore Joe Gilliam, who has one ca- reer start, and senior Antwon Higgs, who's nev- er started, are the expected top two candidates to fill in for Beckford. Higgs spent spring ball while Beckford was worked exclusively at the weakside linebacker position in the spring and said he' "a few" reps at middle linebacker this fall before Tuesday. linebacker. Gilliam d only gotten the natural one to step into the open spot. Espe- cially because there ap- parently isn't much of a difference between the weakside and middle in Purdue's d be THE NUMBERS 5 2003-to-2007. 7 released Tuesday. 56 out getting the bulk of the reps with the first- team defense at middle Both are considered "in- side" linebacker positions, and Hope and the players said the reads and as- signments are similar. "I'll embrace it and take it step by step ev- ery day," Gilliam said of the potential starting new defense. role. "It's a great opportunity, and I'm going to try my best to hit the ground running and take off with it. "When I heard about Dwayne, I was sad. Antwon Higgs could get on the field more this season now that starting middle linebacker Dwayne Beckford is indefinitely suspended. Coach Danny Hope also could use sophomore Joe Gilliam at the middle spot. Tom Campbell 12-13 It's a big disappointment. We're going to miss him. But at the same time, I'm very excited be- cause I'm going to be able to play a lot more. Coming off a good camp, I'm feeling good, I feel ready. fayette, playing linebacker, defensive end and fullback at different stretches during his career. But he's always wanted to be a linebacker, and Higgs has had quite a journey in West La- " Number of seasons Coach Danny Hope spent as Eastern Kentucky's head coach, compiling a 35-22 record from Purdue's streak of consecutive victories when opening a season at home. Percentage of players from SEC Country that are in Purdue's of- fensive and defensive two deeps second half of last season. A new kicker will be broken in on Saturday. The number of field goals and attempts Car- son Wiggs had in the 36,265 quarterback, and Lucas could be options in- side, too. There's also a chance the Boilermakers GOLDANDBLACK EXPRESS • volume 23, express 1 • 1 Sean Robinson, a recent convert from " day crowd at Ross-Ade Stadium in the past 50 years. About 40,000 are expected Saturday. Attendance for the 1990 opener, the smallest opening last two years, so he got a lot of football play- ing under his belt and I'm just getting my way back into it and do the best I can every day in practice, he just wants a chance to prove he can produce there. "Dwayne has been a starter here for the ready to go. I look for more playing time, be- ing out there making plays, contributing to the defense. " Higgs said. "I'm feeling good. I'm

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