Analysis: Purdue two-deep depth chart

On Monday, Purdue released its initial two-deep depth chart for 2023 in advance of Saturday’s season-opener vs. Fresno State. What surprised us? What did we expect? We break it down.

Offense

Quarterbacks

First teamSecond teamHudson CardBennett Meredith

It’s Hudson Card’s team. The only question: How good will the Texas transfer be? Ready or not, Arizona State transfer Bennett Meredith is the clear No. 2. No surprises here.

Running backs

First teamSecond teamDevin MockobeeTyrone Tracy

The pecking order as expected led by Devin Mockobee and Tyrone Tracy. Dylan Downing also is capable is small doses. This is a nice situation and strong position filled with runners and pass-catchers.

Receivers

First teamSecond teamDeion BurksMershawn RiceAbdur-Rahmaan YaseenJayden Dixon-VealTJ SheffieldElijah Canion

No real surprises here for a unit that saw likely No. 1 target Jahmal Edrine lost to a season-ending knee injury early in camp. … As expected, Deion Burks looks primed to perhaps be the alpha target. … Abdur-Rahmaan Yaseen has emerged from the pack. … Can any of the reserves unseat the top three? Hmmm … Hard to see anyone outside of this top six making a key contribution.

Tight ends

First teamSecond teamMax KlareDrew Biber OR Paul Piferi

It was known the staff was being cautious with Garrett Miller as he was coming off a knee injury that cost him 2022. Alas, the likely future pro was missing from the depth chart, which was the biggest surprise of any position. It was thought he’d be ready for the start of the season. Sounds like Miller will be week-to-week for now. … A mild eyebrow-raiser: Max Klare is the starter. It’s known Klare has a bright future, but most thought the No. 1 nod would go to Paul Piferi.

Line

First teamSecond teamLT Mahamane MoussaDaniel Johnson OR Ben FarrellLG Preston NicholsOR Malachi PreciadoC Josh KaltenbergerOR Austin Johnson OR Jimmy ListonRG Jalen GrantLuke GriffinRT Marcus MbowBen Farrell

We knew Gus Hartwig would be out … maybe until midseason. But we didn’t think Josh Kaltenberger would be ready until Week Two. But, it’s important to note that there are “ors” between Kaltenberger, Austin Johnson and Jimmy Liston. When push comes to shove, we think you’ll see Johnson start at center on Saturday with Kaltenberger out. … Surprised to see an “or” between Preston Nichols and Malachi Preciado. … Looks like Mahamane Moussa will be ready to go. It was thought he was a 50-50 proposition with a lower leg issue. Still, he may be shelved. If so, Daniel Johnson would get the start if his balky knee is OK. … The two most-sure things: Jalen Grant and Marcus Mbow. No shock. … It appears NAIA product Ben Farrell is ready to play a key role. Looks like fellow NAIA product Bakyne Coly is not ready.

MORE: Opener vs. Fresno State kicks off Ryan Walters’ era, key September for Purdue | First and 10: Fresno State at Purdue | First look: Fresno State | Gold and Black Radio: Game week arrives | Three Thoughts From The Weekend: Purdue-Fresno State, injury reports and more | The 3-2-1: Injury report coming, Ross-Ade ready and who will snap ball?

Defense

Line

First teamSecond teamMalik LanghamJeffrey M’BaCole BrevardMo Omonode OR Damarjhe LewisIsaiah NicholsJoe Anderson

Two SEC transfers are set to start: Malik Langham and Isaiah Nichols. But it was a third SEC transfer who created the most buzz upon transferring: Jeffrey M’Ba, but he isn’t starting. … The nose spot is well-fortifided with three good options led by Cole Brevard. … Unlike Garrett Miller, Damarjhe Lewis is ready to go after suffering a season-ending knee injury in camp last year. … This looks like a solid unit.

Outside linebackers

First teamSecond teamKydran JenkinsWill Heldt OR Scotty HumpichNic ScourtonKhordae Sydnor

No surprises here. Nic Scourton/Khordae Sydnor are the “Bucks,” while Kydran Jenkins and his backups are the “Foxes.” … Will Heldt looks primed to play a role as true freshman. Kid is gonna be good. … Strongest position on the defense, if not the team.

Inside linebackers

First teamSecond teamOC BrothersClyde WashingtonYanni KarlaftisClyde Washington

As we thought. … Had heard Yanni Karlaftis had made a move to be the No. 2 ILB. Looks like he’s found a home. … OC Brothers is the clear bellwether. … Depth is spotty.

Cornerbacks

First teamSecond teamMarquis WilsonDerrick Rogers, Jr.Markevious BrownBotros Alisandro

This is exactly how we envisioned. … The starters are solid, led by Marquis Wilson and Markevious Brown. … Depth is unproven and shallow. Botros Alisandro was a late JC addition, while Derrick Rogers, Jr., is a true freshman with a bright future. Is he ready now? … Stanford transfer Salim Turner-Muhammad needs to get well (hamstring). It may be another two or three weeks.

Safeties

First teamSecond teamCam AllenJoseph JeffersonDillon ThienemanAnthony BrownSanoussi KaneAntonio Stevens

A solid position. As expected, Dillon Thieneman will start at free safety after creating a buzz in camp. Sanoussi Kane is opposite him at strong safety. … Cam Allen is the “star” or nickel. … Good depth across the board.

Special teams

Kicker

First teamSecond teamBen FreehillCaleb Krockover

Punter

First teamSecond teamJack AnsellBrendan Cropsey

Kickoff returns

First teamSecond teamTyrone TracyDylan Downing

Punt returns

First teamSecond teamMarquis WilsonTJ Sheffield

This lines up as expected. … Ben Freehill and Jack Ansell are your unquestioned kicker and punter, respectively. … Caleb Krockover is the No. 2 kicker as Julio Macias continues to return from offseason hip surgery. … Some potential difference-makers in the return game. Eager to see Wilson.

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