Issue link: https://read.uberflip.com/i/93594
touchbacks and hasn't sent another one out of bounds since the opener. "My play is definite- ly still not where I want it, but I have seen some progression from week to week, just mentally and physically, ows said. "I had some things to work on that really caused my mess- ups in the first game. It's continued to show in some of my play later on, I feel like I've really started to work those out and actually help the team out. So I'm really pleased at this point with what " Mead- done, but I know I have a long way to go. constantly refining Meadows' but done in his first season. "He has come so far likes what he's Gibboney said he's technique " Ryan Watson likely would have had his redshirt pulled mid-season had Coach Danny Hope not decided to play him earlier. With a bevy of injuries to Purdue's defensive front, Watson has been important to add depth. since early in the season men- tally, physically, technically, and he'll continue to get better, boney said. "He's done well for us." " Gib- The goal for kickoffs is to hit the ball to the goal line or farther with four seconds of hang time while also sticking the placement, which can change depending on Gibboney's game plan. Though that would seem like a lot to ask from a newcomer, Meadows said he has the ability to do it consistently. Tom Campbell the ideal kick in my mind that I want to hit, ideal kick, I hit it every now and then. To get to where I want to go, I have to be able to hit it every time. I'm just trying to reach the highest goal. "When I go out there, I have " Meadows said. "That " I've RYAN WATSON, DT Hope has dubbed Ryan Wat- son a "great try-hard guy," which was one main reason Watson got some playing time early in the sea- son. move not redshirting the youngster. Purdue has needed depth Turns out, it was the right on the defensive line in Big Ten play with a rash of injuries up front, including tackles Kawann Short, Bruce Gaston and Bran- don Taylor. That's meant Watson has gotten more snaps in actual games that matter, and he's hap- py that's been the case. "I feel like it's really benefi- cial just to be in the game, see the speed of the game instead of redshirting, able. If they need me to go into a game, I'll go in with confidence. Not go- ing in like, 'This is my first time in with nerves. Watson said. "I feel like that will really help me in the future. "I feel really comfort- he'd be a defensive end or tackle for Purdue, but he's ended up mostly Watson wasn't sure if ' " GOLDANDBLACK EXPRESS • VOLUME 23, EXPRESS 11 • 19 " on the inside this season. He's at about 295 pounds, and he's still hoping to add strength and weight to hold up consistently against the 300-plus pounders he often lines up against. Hope envisions Watson play- ing a similar role to what Ryan Isaac has been for the Boilermak- ers this season: A tackle who is athletic enough to play a bigger end spot against more run-ori- ented teams. Watson is fine with whatever role, as long as he's ultimately given a chance to be on the field. "So far, I feel like I've gotten a lot better since I've gotten here. That was my main goal, "j "As I get better, playing time will come gradually. Introducing ... An updated GoldandBlack.com mobile App gor the Android and iPhone at the Google Play and the App Store " he said.