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Gold and Black Illustrated, Vol 27, Digital 6

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GOLD AND BLACK ILLUSTRATED VOLUME 27, ISSUE 6 58 * 2016 Season Statistics Tackle 1. Gelen Robinson 13 6-1, 283, Sr. 61 tackles, 8 TFL, 5 sacks, 1 int., 1 FF* 2. Raymond Ellis — 6-4, 305, Jr. Weakside Linebacker 1. Markus Bailey 21 6-1, 231, So. 97 tackles, 6 TFL, 4 int., 2 PBU* 2. Rob Simmons 48 6-6, 230, Jr. Purdue has high expectations for redshirt freshman Grant Hermanns, who was elevated to the starting left tackle in the spring and barely missed a snap, if any at all. He's a good athlete, better than one might expect for a 6-foot-7, near-300-pounder. The inexperience will hurt at times, but Jeff Brohm likes his upside, even calling him a potential "playmaker" on the offensive line during the spring. Purdue worked to bolster its reserves during the offseason, including bringing in Rhode Island graduate transfer David Steinmetz, who has a year of eligibility. Running Back 1. Tario Fuller 25 6-0, 192, So. 10 rushes, 30 yards 5 rec., 51 yards* 2. D.J. Knox 1 5-7, 206, Jr. OR Richie Worship 36 6-1, 242, So. Right Guard 1. Matt McCann 79 6-6, 324, So. 2. Bearooz Yacoobi 50 6-5, 299, Jr. Right Tackle 1. Eric Swingler 60 6-5, 305, Jr. 2. David Steinmetz — 6-6, 300, Sr. (5) Wide Receiver 1. Terry Wright — 6-0, 185, Jr. None* 2. Jackson Anthrop 33 5-11, 191, R-Fr. Wide Receiver 1. Corey Holmes — 6-1, 190, Jr. None* 2. Anthony Mahoungou 21 6-3, 210, Sr. — Kyle Charters Free Safety 1. Navon Mosley 27 6-0, 183, So. 49 tackles, 1 PBU* 2. Simeon Smiley 33 6-0, 200, R-Fr. Cornerback 1. Josh Okonye — 6-0, 185, Sr. (5) None* 2. Tim Cason 24 5-11, 195, Jr. End 1. Austin Larkin 45 6-3 245, Sr. (5) 2. Kai Higgins 98 6-4, 247, So. None* Nose Tackle 1. Eddy Wilson 18 6-4, 304, Jr. 36 tackles, 6 TFL, 2.5 sacks, 1 FR* 2. Lorenzo Neal 9 6-2, 345, So. Strong Safety 1. T.J. Jallow 5 6-2, 198, Jr. None* 2. Jacob Thieneman 41 6-0, 205, Jr. Middle Linebacker 1. Ja'Whaun Bentley 35 6-2, 250, Sr. 50 tackles, 7 TFL, 1 PBU* 2. Garrett Hudson 16 6-3, 245, Sr. (5) Although Josh Okonye played more safety during his career at Wake Forest, the graduate transfer will start out as a cornerback in his only season at Purdue. And most likely, the Boilermakers will want to take a long look at the 6-foot, 185-pounder at the start of camp, seeing if he can take over as an every-down outside defender for the still-developing Tim Cason. But Okonye's versatility is a plus, too. It's possible that he could figure in elsewhere, with the Boilermakers still undecided on their free safety. Or maybe he gets a chance at nickel. Wherever, Okonye will get a chance to win a starting job, and his experience and football IQ will make it likely to happen. Tom Campbell GOLD AND BLACK ILLUSTRATED VOLUME 27, ISSUE 6 58

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