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F O O T B A L L : D E P T H C H A R T Defensive End 1. Ryan Isaac 61 6-5, 294, Jr. 10 tackles, 2 PBU* Isaac and Phillips split time at one defensive end spot, with the former taking most of the snaps as the run-stopper. He was versatile too, with the ability move inside when needed. Phillips appears to have some upside, but is also still learning the position. 2. Jalani Phillips 89 6-4, 260, So. DEFENSE Defensive Tackle 1. Kawann Short 93 6-4, 315, Sr. (5) 42 tackles, 14.5 TFL, 6 sacks, 4 PBU, 2 FR, 1 FF, 4 blk kick* Short had an AllAmerica season, although he probably could have been even better had some nagging injuries not slowed him up a bit. He'd like to end his career on a high note, not only to get a Boiler win but to improve his draft stock. 2. Michael Rouse 97 6-4, 295, R-Fr. Weakside Linebacker 1. Sean Robinson 10 6-3, 240, So. 27 tackles, 0.5 TFL, 3 PBU* Robinson took over at weakside linebacker midway through the season and seemed to grow into the role. Lucas looked lost much of the year, but recovered toward the end, and had his best game against Indiana. 2. Will Lucas 45 5-11, 230, Jr. Defensive Tackle 1. Bruce Gaston 90 Defensive End 1. Ryan Russell 99 2. Ryan Watson 92 2. Greg Latta 91 6-2, 303, Jr. 26 tackles, 5.5 TFL, 2 FR, 2 FF* Gaston is good, but how good is that? Next season, he'll have an opportunity to step up as the central figure on the interior of Purdue's defensive line. Watson, too, will have an increased role, after a true freshman season that saw him play sparingly. 6-3, 294, Fr. Middle Linebacker 1. Joe Gilliam 39 6-1, 227, So. 53 tackles, 2.5 TFL, 1 sack, 1 PBU, 1 FF* Gilliam was thrown into the fire just prior to the season's start, after Dwayne Beckford was dismissed from the team. Those early starts were a bit rough, but Gilliam improved greatly in the last half of the season. Higgs is applying for a fifth season. 2. Antwon Higgs 5 5-9, 186, Jr. 44 tackles, 4 TFL, 1 sack, 1 int., 3 PBU, 1 FF* Allen battled injuries nearly all season, keeping him off the field for the end of the Notre Dame game and out of Ohio State all together. Had he been there for either, would the Boilers have pulled out the close contests? Allen's healthier now, and likely wants to end his junior year on a high note. When Purdue is in nickel, he moves to that slot and Williams plays outside. Free Safety 1. Taylor Richards 4 5-10, 192, So. 47 tackles, 0.5 TFL, 0.5 sacks, 6 PBU, 1 punt blk* Richards had his ups and downs in his first full season as a starter, but his play seemed to even out in the latter half of the year. He has the makeup to be a good safety, with a nose for the football, although it'd be nice if he could gain another 10 pounds in the offseason. 2. E.J. Johnson 7 6-1, 185, So. 2. Frankie Williams 6 6-6, 265, Jr. Strongside Linebacker 1. Robert Maci 58 6-4, 249, Sr. (5) 36 tackles, 6.5 TFL, 2 sacks, 1 PBU, 1 FR, 2 FF* Maci's statistics belie his importance to the Boilermakers. He was able to play both defensive end and linebacker, giving them an ability to adjust quickly depending on offensive scheme. He'll be missed after the season. 2. Nnamdi Ezenwa 18 6-2, 225, Sr. (5) 6-3, 246, Sr. Cornerback 1. Ricardo Allen 21 6-5, 275, So. 30 tackles, 7.5 TFL, 3 sacks, 1 PBU, 1 FR* Russell was supposed to be a breakout player this season, and he did in some ways. But it wasn't near what was expected. For two seasons now, he's dealt with ankle issues that seemingly have kept him from reaching his potential. Strong Safety 1. Landon Feichter 44 6-0, 189, So. 76 tackles, 2 TFL, 4 int., 3 PBU* Feichter will move onto scholarship next season, after turning into a major contributor as a walk-on. He led the Boilermakers in tackles and tied for the Big Ten lead in interceptions. He's not as physical as you'd like near the line of scrimmage, but his play-making ability shouldn't be overlooked. 2. Max Charlot 34 6-0, 201, Sr. Cornerback 1. Josh Johnson 28 5-11, 195, Sr. 58 tackles, 3 TFL, 1 sack, 3 int., 16 PBU, 2 FR, 3 FF* Johnson had a very good season, but didn't get much attention for it. But 16 pass breakups, which moves him four short of tying Purdue's all-time mark, is nothing to ignore. Brown has a good future as a DB, but it very possibility could be at safety. 2. Anthony Brown 9 5-11, 185, Fr. 5-9, 186, R-Fr. Key * 2012 Season Statistics PURPLE: Missed time due to injury 26 • GOLD & BLACK ILLUSTRATED • VOLUME 23, ISSUE 3 — Kyle Charters GBIprint.com GoldandBlack.com