In the huddle: Purdue receiver TJ Sheffield

What does TJ stand for?

Beet juice as a pregame drink?

First impression of Ryan Walters?

Let’s go ‘In the Huddle’ with Purdue fifth-year receiver TJ Sheffield, who has 86 career receptions and nine touchdowns in 35 games as the Boilermakers open the season Saturday against Fresno State at Ross-Ade Stadium. Sheffield, who was elected one of five team captains, is from Thompson’s Station, Tenn.

TJ stands for what?

Taylor Jamal Sheffield. That’s my government name.

When did people start calling you TJ?

Ever since I was little, my mom called me TJ. The only person that calls me Taylor is my granny.

Why did you come to Purdue?

I came to Purdue because it’s one of the most prestigious schools in the Big Ten and we obviously throw the ball regardless of the coaches. As a wide receiver, that’s something that I really looked into who was throwing the ball. My recruiter was coach Shep (JaMarcus Shephard). He was pretty cool. I love coach Shep. I really loved getting coached by him.

Any superstitions?

I don’t usually split polls. If I’m walking with my friend, I always grab one. My mom was like that.

What’s your game day routine?

I always drink beet juice.

Beet juice? When did you start doing that?

It’s not that good, but it’s supposed to be pretty good for you. I do that. Just make sure I’m stretched out and make sure my headphones are on. I don’t do too much talking on game day.

How much juice do you drink?

Just like a shot of beet juice. It’s nothing crazy.

You’re not sucking down gallons of beet juice?

No way.

When did that start?

A little bit last season, around midseason, I started doing that.

Was it recommended?

Trainers recommended it to us.

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – DECEMBER 03: Rod Moore #19 of the Michigan Wolverines pursues TJ Sheffield #8 of the Purdue Boilermakers during the first half in the Big Ten Championship at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)

Do other guys on the team drink beet juice?

Yes. Not everybody. It’s an acquired taste so not too many guys do it all the time.

Once you leave Purdue, will you be drinking beet juice in the future?

Probably not.

Favorite superhero

Maybe Spider-Man because the new Spider-Man was pretty good.

Once you’re done playing football, what’s your plan?

I’m not even sure right now. I’m getting my master’s right now. I’m just waiting for opportunities and checking some jobs out and stuff like that. Keeping my options open.

What would you like to do?

Maybe stay around football. Stay around the sports field.

Is coaching in your future?

I’m open to anything.

Where would you be if you didn’t pick Purdue?

Man, I’m not even sure. My recruiting process was crazy.

In what way?

I committed to Notre Dame a little bit and then they kind of just dropped me. Coach Shep, he really loved me up. He’s a big part of why I’m here today.

When you hurt your ankle in the Music City Bowl, just the process to get back, what did you learn during that time?

It was definitely a frustrating time, but I became more patient. I had (an ankle injury) my freshman year, just a different ankle. I already knew what I had to do and stuff like that. But just battling through adversity. It’s tough. You’ve got to get through it.

Is that the hardest thing that you’ve had to deal with?

At Purdue? Probably.

Any adversity or hardships that you’ve had to overcome outside of Purdue and football and if so, what has it taught you?

A year or two back, my aunt passed away. That was pretty heartbreaking.

Was she a regular at your football games?

She just watched them on TV.

Your first football memory?

Me and my brother. It wasn’t even in a game, just me and him playing in the backyard. I always looked up to my brother. I was in elementary school, and he was in middle school. He’s four grades ahead of me and I was always able to just watch him on Fridays and always looked up to him.

One teammate you would trade places with?

I’m not even sure about that one.

You don’t want to be a quarterback?

Maybe Hudson (Card). Being a quarterback would be pretty cool. Way more responsibility, but if I could throw as good as him, I’d love it.

What quarterback intangibles do you see from him? You’ve caught a lot of passes from a lot of different quarterbacks here.

One big thing that he does is just extend plays. He can throw the ball whether he’s in the pocket or out the pocket. He’s a baller.

I won’t ask you who your favorite quarterback has been here but who threw the best ball to you during your time at Purdue?

I’ve definitely had that question a few times. I can’t even say that one. I feel like all the quarterbacks I’ve had were pretty good. I’m excited to go out this year and see what Hudson does.

We learned that Deion Burks is the fastest guy on the team. Where do you rank?

I’d like to say I’m top five.

Did you guys get timed this summer?

No. We have GPS systems in our pads, and it tells you your speed and your velocity and things like that.

Do you agree that Burks is the fastest guy?

I do agree with that.

First Impression of Ryan Walters

Coach Walters brings a lot of energy to the team. He’s a big player’s coach. He just loves football. I can tell he’s really excited to be around here. You never catch him without a smile on his face. I’m excited to go out and play for him.

Do you want to play defensive back for him?

No, man. I like the offensive side of the ball.

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