Gold and Black is a multi-platform media company that covers Purdue athletics like no one else.
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/99573
OFFENSE Wide Receiver 1. O.J. Ross 4 5-10, 188, Jr. 51 rec., 425 yards, 2 TDs* Ross had a solid season, although not spectacular. One would think that he would have more downfield potential, but turned into more of a possession receiver. Perhaps that's a product of Purdue's offense as much as his play. Macarthy could turn into a big-time receiver after a breakout year. 2. Dolapo Macarthy 16 6-5, 220, R-Fr. Left Guard 1. Peters Drey 67 6-6, 302, Sr. (5) Lingering effects from Drey's back injury last season kept him from playing anywhere near his former self early in the year. But he's tremendously better in the last handful of games, and it's shown up in his ability to make blocks at the second level. He simply wasn't able to move like that early in the year. Wide Receiver 1. Antavian Edison 13 5-11, 175, Sr. 57 rec., 625 yards, 8 TDs* 12 rush, 29 yards* Edison was silenced in a couple games this season, but otherwise had a good year. And he found the end zone once in every seven receptions, a pretty good ratio. Henry played a little receiver, and some running back, but still seems destined to play QB in '13. 2. Rob Henry 15 6-2, 200, Jr. Center 1. Rick Schmeig 76 6-3, 305, Sr. (5) Schmeig was a co-MVP for offense, the third straight year an offensive lineman has earned a portion of the honor. That's a bit unusual. But Schmeig's been good, maybe even more than that. Kugler seems a natural at center next season depending on the new staff's direction. 2. Cody Davis 59 2. Robert Kugler 57 Wide Receiver 1. Gary Bush 6 Quarterback 1. Robert Marve 9 6-5, 286, Jr. 6-0, 185, Jr. 41 rec., 360 yards, 7 TDs* Bush scored on one of every six receptions, mainly due to his speed in eluding defenders on wide receiver screens. He's not very physical, so he struggled to break away from contact. It'll be a key to his taking his game up another notch. Torwudzo is a big, physical receiver and got a chance to play late. 2. Charles Torwudzo 17 6-4, 223, So. Tight End 1. Crosby Wright 82 6-3, 248, Sr. (5) 22 rec., 283 yards* Wright had a good season, particularly after Robert Marve became the full-time starter. Considering he came to Purdue as a walk-on after an injury-plagued high school career, Wright has had a very good tenure. Holmes missed the last two games with a rib injury. 2. Gabe Holmes 86 2. Rob Henry 15 6-2, 200, Jr. — OR — Caleb TerBush 19 6-5, 225, Sr. (5) 6-5, 300, Jr. Pamphile really struggled at times during the middle of the season, getting beat on occasion and forcing him into penalties. But to his credit, he stuck with it, and did play better in the last couple games. Perhaps he can be a more steady performer next season, having grown more into the role of late. 6-5, 247, Jr. 2. Justin Kitchens 51 Right Guard 1. Robert Kugler 57 Right Tackle 1. Justin Kitchens 51 6-4, 294, Jr. 6-3, 280, R-Fr. Kugler moved into the starting lineup midway through the season and quickly became Purdue's top grading offensive lineman. He's athletic and with another year in the weight room could develop into an even more dominating player. 2. Devin Smith 71 6-7, 320, Jr. 6-4, 294, Jr. Foy took the first half of the season as the starter, then completely fell out of a rotation by the last couple games. You'd have to think he could at least recover to be a contributor again next season. Kitchens too will be back, giving Purdue some experienced options at its tackle spots. 2. Trevor Foy 78 6-3, 280, R-Fr. 6-1, 212, Sr. (6) 145-of-219 for 1,522 yards, 13 TDs / 3 int.* Marve has been outstanding in the last three games, leading Purdue from the brink of bowl elimination to the postseason. It's a shame his run is almost at an end. But if there's any player who gives the Boilermakers a chance as a heavy underdog vs. Oklahoma State, it's probably him. He's elevated the play of those around him. Left Tackle 1. Kevin Pamphile 64 6-7, 300, Jr. Running Back 1. Akeem Shavers 24 5-11, 203, Sr. 167 rush, 778 yards, 6 TDs* 14 rec., 316 yards, 1 TD* Shavers has been a different runner late in the year, as he's gotten the bulk of the carries and been able to wear down defenses. When he and Bolden are in — and Bolden re-tweaked his hamstring during bowl prep — it can be a deadly 1-2 punch out of the backfield. 2. Ralph Bolden 23 5-9, 200, Sr. (5) SPECIAL TEAMS Kicker Sam McCartney 43 6-4, 215, R-Fr. — OR — Paul Griggs 37 6-1, 200, Fr. Punter Cody Webster 42 6-1, 210, Jr. Kick Return Akeem Hunt 11 5-9, 184, So. Raheem Mostert 8 5-11, 180, So. Punt Return Frankie Williams 6 5-9, 186, R-Fr. GBIprint.com GoldandBlack.com GOLD & BLACK ILLUSTRATED • VOLUME 23, ISSUE 3 • 27