Issue link: https://read.uberflip.com/i/93594
FOOTBALL FEA TURE: FRESHMEN UPDA TE Freshmen In The Fire Five playing as rookies BY STACY CLARDIE SClardie@GoldandBlack.com Two kickers, a defensive back, and a defensive tackle. Purdue has a gotten a little a slot receiver/running back bit of everything from the five true freshmen who are playing this season. It's a group that Coach Danny Hope says has done "very well," in whatever capacity they're asked to contribute. Here's a closer look: come to Purdue, work hard to try and earn a spot playing some- where, maybe on special teams, and avoid a redshirt. It didn't take long for coaches DANNY ANTHROP, WR Danny Anthrop figured he'd to notice his dogged approach in practice. He started off the season on Danny Anthrop has gotten a chance to play on offense only in blowouts — and recorded two touchdowns — but most of his playing time has been as a contributor on special teams in his freshman season. the "gold" team, the scout team for special teamers, but quickly moved up to the second units and then the No. 1 units on all of the teams. That's kept him busy. "I'm glad I didn't redshirt. It keeps you more focused, I think," speed racing down the field to make some tackles on cover- age units — he has nine — and he said. Anthrop has shown good he's eagerly awaiting a chance to showcase his return skills on kickoffs. But since moving into the spot vacated by Raheem Mo- stert on that return team in the Wisconsin game, Anthrop hasn't fielded a single kick. Still, he's happy he's been able Tom Campbell to be so involved early in his ca- reer. got a grasp on my role and they're it up every week. Each game, I have something new that Coach (J.B.) beefing gives to me, which is nice. It keeps me fo- cused, and I'm excited to get the opportunity that I've got. "On special Gibboney "Every week, I feel a little more comfortable," he said. "I've only five true freshman to run for a touchdown and catch one as a Boilermaker, and he's the first since Dorien Bryant did it in 2004. he said. "It's the mind-set you can't go in thinking you're go- ing to mess up, you have to go in thinking about doing some- thing great. … You've just got to keep things going. You just have to take advantage of every op- portunity you get and you'll get more. I love it. what Anthrop has done. He's raved about the Lafay- after people, especially on my punt return and my punt (units)." Anthrop's snaps on offense teams a lot of the guys are in there are starters so maybe they're not as fresh and I have a little bit of an advantage. I just try to go have come late in lopsided games, but he's been produc- tive. He has eight touches, and he's scored twice. He's one of Hope certainly seems to love " ette native throughout the sea- son, calling him a real "football player" and praising his aggres- sive style of play. "I think we hit the jackpot with Danny Anthrop," Hope said. ANTHONY BROWN, DB Before he arrived on Purdue's campus this summer, Anthony Brown said he wanted to play right away as a true freshman and set a goal of becoming the Big Ten's Freshman-of-the-Year. He has gotten on the field right away, but not to the extent GOLDANDBLACK EXPRESS • VOLUME 23, EXPRESS 11 • 17 "I really try to take advan- tage of every opportunity I get,"