GBI Magazine

Gold and Black Illustrated, Vol 27, Digital 5

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

Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/816762

Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 41 of 87

GOLD AND BLACK ILLUSTRATED VOLUME 27, ISSUE 5 42 Bentley Jackson maker Purdue needs him to be — the kind he was in his first season as a starter. But Bentley appeared to move better this spring, and if he's active and in shape, that's a big deal. Another welcome sign: Danny Ezechukwu got to rush the passer, perhaps his strength, in Holt's D. Don't know enough yet about transfer T.J. McCollum, but he likely will be a factor, maybe even a starter, by the fall. … It would be nice to see the secondary evolve into playmakers, not something that happened often enough while learning a new defense this spring. PBUs hap- pened on occasion, but those must shift to actual interceptions for this defense to thrive. Perhaps once a comfort level is achieved, that'll come. T.J. Jallow could be the best example. Jallow transitioned to safety this spring after most recently — and primarily — playing cornerback in junior college and high school, and there was a significant learning curve. But if Jallow gets it, he could be one of the defense's most excit- ing players. He may have the best body on the defense already — well-built, compact and pow- erful — and he uses it, quickly gaining a rep as a tenacious player who wouldn't hold back, often lighting up teammates in "thud" periods. Jury's still out on how good of a tackler he is, which is a huge issue considering his position. But at least there's promise. … Gelen Robinson responded well to a move to defensive tackle from end, though he didn't know during the spring if it'd be permanent. Still, he locked in on learning the nuances of the new position, and his brute strength often allowed him to hold ground on double teams, if not overwhelm them. Perhaps the interior will be the best fit for him, allowing a 280-pounder (who can get bigger) with athlet- icism to wreak havoc on typically less-athletic interior O-linemen. Though Robinson seemed to have a breakout season as a junior, perhaps there are even better things in store in his final year in a new role. … Purdue hopes the same can be Photos by Tom Campbell

Articles in this issue

Archives of this issue

view archives of GBI Magazine - Gold and Black Illustrated, Vol 27, Digital 5