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Gold and Black Illustrated, Vol 27, Digital 6

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GOLD AND BLACK ILLUSTRATED VOLUME 27, ISSUE 6 43 he's put in position to attack the line of scrimmage. A likely time to do so, Holt said, is in a nickel, when Purdue is trying to generate quick pressure on the QB. "(Danny) will wear both hats," Holt said. The Boilermakers could get pressure from the inside, too. Wilson and Robinson could be difficult for opponents' offensive line, because both are more athletic than their size might suggest. Wilson, at 6-4, 304 pounds, had 2.5 sacks last season, his first year as a starter, while Robin- son, 6-1, 283, had five while playing D-end. Wilson could break out. The junior is trying to become a more mature player, and person, in his third season as a Boilermaker. It was a December wake-up call that led him down a new path. Then, Wilson was temporarily off the roster while he dealt with an academic issue, but he had returned to good standing before the spring. If he stays in a positive direction, then he could have a big season. "I can't wait to see what he does," Robinson said. "Right now he'll push me and I'll push him to the limit. He can be a great player." Not only does Purdue need to hurry the quarterback, but it must stop the run. It didn't last season, allowing 238.4 yards per game, ahead of only Rutgers in the Big Ten. It wasn't pretty. That's not all on the defensive line — Purdue's nickel base last season likely didn't help — as the rest of the defense contributes as well, but it does start up front. Wilson says the Boilermakers need to play more assign- ment-sound, acknowledging that's been a problem in the past. "But the biggest part is effort," he said. "You just have to determine in your mind that you want to be the best, that's where it starts first. You can train as much as you want, but if you don't have in your mind that you're training to be the best, all of it is in vain. So we need to get our mindset geared toward, 'We want to be the No. 1 defense.' That's where everybody's head is. People asked, 'How can you go from last to first?' Well, we're going to be the first ones to do it. We're focused on finishing, hitting hard and playing hard." Tom Campbell Ja'Whaun Bentley struggled last season, his first after an ACL injury in 2015. But he seems intent on getting back to form for his senior year.

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