Purdue training camp preview: Five burning questions
The build up to the season opener vs. Fresno State on Sept. 2 marches on. With August here, it’s time to take the lid off the next phase of the Ryan Walters’ era: Training camp. The possibilities are many, and so are the questions.
“Every coach this time of the year, they’re excited,” says Walters. “And I think the thing that is interesting is every coach is excited for different reasons. And so for me I’m excited for this season, first and foremost, because of the guys we have in the locker room. They have embraced us with open arms, the new staff, the change in culture.”
No doubt, the vibe around this team is different. Walters has injected an element of fun and a loose spirit. There seems to be no barrier between player and coach, with collaboration at an all-time high. A full-blown cultural shift has taken place.
Challenges loom as Purdue begins camp. Nineteen transfers must be folded into the mix, including five cornerbacks and six offensive linemen.
“I feel really good about where our roster is at right now,” says Walters. “We’ve got 85 on campus, 120 guys in the locker room now and we feel good. So, we got to definitely prepare them with the tools that they will need from a schematic standpoint and on game days to have success and health throughout will definitely play a part and a vital role to our success this season.”
The biggest portal addition of all was quarterback Hudson Card, the jewel of the transfer class. The Texas transfer needs to deliver the goods.
“All of our position skill groups are, honestly, really, really good,” Card says. “From our receiver group with a lot of depth, we grabbed some guys in the portal, as well, who are going to help, a lot of guys that stepped up and took over in practices in the spring.
“And then our tight end room is really special, as well, and it’s deep, as well. I am excited for them to showcase and show the world what they can do this fall.”
Here are five burning questions as camp practices commence on Wednesday.
1 – Is Hudson Card the real deal?
All spring, Card earned plaudits from players and coaches. He has the skill-set to make this Air Raid-based offense work.
Card played in 22 games and made five starts for the Longhorns, hitting 65 percent of his passes for 1,523 yards, 11 TDs and two interceptions from 2020-22. His ability to run enhances his playmaking ability.
Expectations are high for No. 1, who must stay healthy.
“He hasn’t played a lot of ball,” says Walters. “He’s had some spurts and when he’s been out there, he’s had success. But, you know, he still hasn’t had a ton of experience. And so you don’t want to put the cart before the horse, so to speak. You got to let him kind of go through the season and hope the chips fall where they may.”
2 – Can the o-line come together?
As noted, the staff imported six transfer linemen. Who will emerge? Purdue knows it has known commodities in veterans Mahamane Moussa and Marcus Mbow, who look slated to be the tackle tandem. But depth behind them needs to develop.
There are good options on the interior. But Gus Hartwig is an X-factor, as the stalwart center isn’t expected to be ready for the start of the season coming off a knee injury.
It’s vital this front protects Card and creates room for No. 1 back Devin Mockobee, who ran for 968 yards in 2022 as a redshirt freshman walk-on. Now on scholarship, Mockobee looks to take his game to another level.
“Kudos to Coach Ro (strength coach Kiero Small) and our strength staff,” says Walters. “Devin Mockobee looks like a different player. He’s transformed his body. He obviously has talent and the skill set to have success in this conference. That’s proven.
“We’re excited about his growth and maturation with the scheme and his ability to run the football and break tackles. Obviously, he can be a huge asset for us on the ground.”
3 – Is the secondary developing?
Too often last year, Purdue yielded big pass plays. In 14 games–two more than many Big Ten schools–the Boilermakers allowed 48 passes of over 20 yards, 21 over 30 and 12 over 40.
Foes averaged 7.6 yards per attempt. Only Michigan State and Indiana were worse.
It’s hoped Walters’ acumen coaching the secondary will help, as Illinois was No. 8 in the nation vs. the pass in 2022. And the influx of six transfers (one safety; five corners) and a JC corner must play dividends. Penn State’s Marquis Wilson is the transfer corner to watch following a massive secondary renovation.
4 – How does the defense look?
Walters developed his reputation on this side of the ball. It’s a big reason why he has this job after Illinois ranked No. 1 in the nation in scoring defense in 2022 (12.8 ppg).
While coordinating the Missouri defense from 2018-20, he developed a unique five-man front alignment that has been his calling card. It’s a scheme that defies labels.
“No, it is definitely not a 3-3-5,” says Walters. “It’s definitely not 3-4. It’s its own deal. You know, we’re big where we are supposed to be big. We’re fast where we are supposed to be fast. And I think that in today’s college football with the way that offenses are trying to attack you defensively, that’s just a more advantageous personnel package to have on the field.”
5 – Are there any playmakers on offense?
Purdue has a known commodity in Mockobee, who almost became the program’s first 1,000-yard rusher since 2008 last season.
“I feel like we got a lot of weapons from the transfer portal,” says receiver TJ Sheffield. “Obviously, you saw Devin Mockobee. We already know what he does out there on the field.”
But is tight end Garrett Miller up to speed after missing last season with a knee injury? And who will be the go-to wideout with Charlie Jones off to the NFL?
“It’s going to be fast tempo, fast-paced,” Card said. “It’s not going to be overly complicated. For the guys on offense, you’re going to know what to do and you’re going to be able to play really fast and not think a whole lot.”
Training camp watch list
CategoryPos. PlayerOffensive player on the spotQB Hudson CardDefensive player on the spotOLB Nic ScourtonOffensive player on the riseTE Garrett MillerDefensive player on the riseOLB Khordae SydnorKey offensive player coming back from injuryC Gus HartwigKey defensive player coming back from injuryDL Damarjhe LewisOffensive transfer to watchWR Jahmal EdrineDefensive transfer to watchDL Jeffrey M’BaOffensive redshirt freshman to watchQB Bennett MeredithDefensive redshirt freshman to watchS Anthony BrownOffensive true freshman to watchWR Ryne ShackelfordDefensive true freshman to watchS Dillon Thieneman
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