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FOOTBALL FEA TURE: THE SENIORS ing on trying to turn a disappoint- ing season around, on trying to be leaders and examples and prime performers in whatever their roles late in the season that this somehow snuck up on them: Most of Purdue' They'd been so busy focus- 20 seniors will play their final game Saturday in Ross-Ade Stadium. "We were just talking about it s — it is kind of eye-opening to real- ize that it' terback Caleb TerBush said. "It's kind s what it's all about — playing s such a big game and it's our s coming to a close," quar- of nice to end it with IU because that' IU and playing for the Bucket. "It' last one in Ross-Ade. It's exciting." Here's a closer look at some of the seniors who made a difference along the way: In meeting with Hope after last season, Josh Johnson set his goals high for his final year at Purdue: Be a league-leader in interceptions JOSH JOHNSON, CB Despite playing one of the defense's toughest positions — the boundary corner spot that often requires being locked up in man coverage with no help — Josh Johnson could finish his career among Purdue's all-time leaders in pass breakups, needing only six to tie the top spot. or pass breakups and emerge as one of the best cornerbacks in the country. As his senior season is coming Tom Campbell Leaving Their Marks This week, it finally hit them. Senior class features variety of talents BY STACY CLARDIE SClardie@GoldandBlack.com whoever I'm going against, I try to shut them down," Johnson said. "I feel like I've been doing a great job. I just want to show everybody that I still have more. secutive game on Saturday, and he's impressed coaches and team- mates throughout his career with his attention to detail, technique and work ethic. "He's a never-give-up guy, Johnson will start his 34th con- " "Your tape recorder doesn't have enough tape," a smiling RICK SCHMEIG, C Shawn Clark says when asked to describe Rick Schmeig. The rowdy, quirky, unpredict- sophomore safety Landon Feichter said. "He's going 100 percent every play, and he's getting on your case if you're not going 100 percent. I really look up to Josh. He's a great player and a great role model. to a close, Johnson is happy with the way it's ended. He's tied for sixth in the na- tion in passes defended per game, which combines his 14 PBUs with his career-high three interceptions. ups and needs six to tie for Pur- due's all-time lead. And he's done it playing one of He has 27 career pass break- the defense's toughest positions: Boundary cornerback, which often requires Johnson to play man-on- man coverage on an island on the short side of the field. "I try to go out and play big and would appreciate — he's taken pride in being a "big brother" to his teammates, whether they're younger or not, and tried to lead not only by example but also in support and encouragement. And if that's the legacy he That's exactly what Johnson " leaves, that's one he'll be proud of. "I want to be a guy that they said they could trust and who made plays for the team and he was a team player, just want everybody to remember me as being a leader and someone they could always rely on." " Johnson said. "I " able Schmeig — who colored his hair and beard jet black on a whim last month just because he saw two guys in a Walgreen's looking at hair products — emerged as a sta- ble stalwart on the offensive line for the Boilermakers as a senior. In part, Schmeig had the best season of his career because he finally felt comfortable at center, and that allowed his gruffness and mean streak to shine. "He's developed as a player, which has allowed him to play aggressively, Clark said. "It's the second year playing center, the third year as a starter. At this level, you have to play your way into being a good football player. With that, it also builds confidence. Now that he knows what to do and how to do (it), it's led him to be more confi- dent to play more aggressively. He's still the same Rick he was as a sophomore, but he knows what to do and it allows him to play better. Schmeig agreed, saying that aggressive style of play was "few " offensive line coach GOLDANDBLACK EXPRESS • VOLUME 23, EXPRESS 12 • 17 "