Deep Dive: Purdue camp practice No. 4

Purdue’s fourth training camp practice of 2023 is in the books. In all, the Boilermakers will have 19 practices in camp under first-year coach Ryan Walters. Today, the first seven periods of practice were open.

Let’s take a Deep Dive!

1 – TE Garrett Miller goes through position work early in practice. He wears a black sleeve over his right knee. It was about this time last ween when Miller hurt the knee in a camp practice and was lost for the year.

2 – DT Damarjhe Lewis also suffered a season-ending injury in camp about this time last year. He is spotted around practices. Today, Lewis was not taking part in the action. Fellow d-lineman Prince Boyd also continues to be out.

3 – For a second day in a row, there was no sign of WR Jahmal Edrine. It’s believed the Florida Atlantic transfer was hurt during Thursday’s practice.

4 – Ben Freehill and Caleb Krockover took turns on field goals early in practice. Each had their moments, push out beyond 40 yards. Freehill is the presumed No. 1 field-goal kicker. But maybe Krockover can push for the job … or handle kickoffs.

5 – Brendan Cropsey is the holder on placements and Nick Taylor snaps. The front looked thusly from left to right: Max Klare, Preston Nichols, Luke Griffin, Taylor, Aaron Roberts, Josh Kaltenberger, Austin Johnson, Drew Biber.

6 – DC Kevin Kane had an interesting comment about why he thinks the scheme they brought from Illinois is effective:

“Schematically, it poses problems for offenses. They don’t see it every day. It’s like playing Navy. It’s like triple option. People don’t see that stuff every day anymore. So, they have to change their whole perspective on things … Everybody’s running four-down and a true 3-4 (defense). We’re not that. So, everybody schemes us up a little bit differently. Were are the one game of the year that everyone’s got to prepare for differently than everyone else. So, I think that part gives us a bit of an edge. And I think we sell it to our guys.

“All you can ask for is a one-on-one in college football. If you win a one-on-one, you’re gonna have a lot of success and make plays. And we’ve been able to do that in the past. With all that being said, it gives guys confidence, it gives guys, ‘Hey, it’s all on me.’ But at the same time, it gives offenses issues. So, that’s where I just think it’s unique, is different. Iowa sState started a 3-3 stack however many years ago and look at where that’s gone. And we’ll see where this defense goes. But I feel pretty good about it.”

7 – LB OC Brothers says the two inside linbackers are a “MIKE” and a “WILLY.” It’s all about matching up for offenses. If the offense spreads things out, just one ILB will be used. Against heavier packages, two ILBs would be deployed.

“My role, Coach Kane likes to describe as the ‘eraser,’ said Brothers. “Anything that comes through, I clean it up. So, it’s pretty much get to the ball.”

8 – CB coach Sam Carter is often among the fray, running routes and making his guys defend him. Each practice, Carter takes his role to another level by wearing a numeraled jersey.

9 – Purdue is off on Sunday and back at it on Monday. The next off day won’t be until Sunday, Aug. 13.

Thanks for reading!

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