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Gold and Black Illustrated, Vol 28 Digital 4

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GOLD AND BLACK ILLUSTRATED VOLUME 28, ISSUE 4 65 and stronger, but they also add unique elements right now. Cravaack, a 6-5, 225-pounder, is athletic enough to play tight end — and was a very good one in high school. High school coach Mike Shafer called Cravaack "the best blocking tight end I've ever had," and that included blocking linemen, lineback- ers, cornerbacks and safeties, and he also had good hands in the receiving game. But Cravaack will start on defense at Purdue, Brohm said, because, in part, he "has a lot of range." And Shafer, Cravaack's high school coach, is convinced Cravaack's frame is perfect to quickly add good weight, say- ing he thinks Cravaack could go from 225 to 250 "in a heart- beat" once he's in Purdue's weight program. Plus, Cravaack is eager to glean as much technical information from John- son and whoever else coaches him at Purdue — Kevin Wolthausen likely will play a role on the line after he was promoted from quality control coach to full-time assistant in late February — because he's only played with his hand down at end for three years. Sullivan offers potential, too, for a lot of the same reasons. He's a 6-5, 245-pounder whom Brohm called "rangier" for a D-end. But Brohm also likes Sullivan's potential to grow into a "big body" and be a player who plays with toughness and physicality. Deen, listed at 6-3 and 245, has quickness to rush the passer off the edge — and he could begin his Purdue ca- reer at that stand-up end spot — but Brohm said Deen "can probably grow to play both positions and be able to use his athleticism on interior guys, too, if we need to move him in there on occasion." Johnson, at least, doesn't have to worry about the add- ing size: He's listed at about 300 pounds already. But he still likely will need to undergo a physical transformation like the rest of his classmates. Purdue's strength staff likely will work to better shape and pack that body and, in doing so, perhaps accentuate Johnson's other potential strengths. "He has more athleticism than you think," Brohm said. "I think he's a guy who, if we just get him in great physical shape, he has a chance to be a very good player. Somewhat like Lorenzo Neal is how we see him, a guy who can come in and occupy space and have enough athleticism to beat blocks and quickness to get around them. "Him getting in great physical condition, he could have a chance to be a very, very good player for us." j The Best Purdue Sports Information On The Web • Real-time recruiting • Game stories, analysis and blogs • Premium message boards • Video, audio, live stream events and more • Exclusive access to premium information Part of the Rivals.com network Note: GoldandBlack.com is a separate subscription than your subscription to Gold & Black Illustrated/Gold and Black EXPRESS. Free trials available! It's All On GoldandBlack.com

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