Three Purdue post-spring questions: Special teams

The work marches on for Ryan Walters as he continues to put his stamp on his first Purdue squad.

What are some things we have learned as the program grinds through the offseason?

This is the ninth in a position-by-position “three questions” series examining Purdue’s team. Next up: Special teams.

1 – Can Ben Freehill deliver the goods as a field-goal kicker?

Mitchell Fineran is gone after two very solid seasons following his transfer from Samford. He left Purdue as its all-time most accurate kicker, hitting 79. 2 percent of his field goals (42-of-53). And no one can forget his game-winning 39-yarder in OT to slay Tennessee in the 2021 Music City Bowl.

Now what?

The job appears to be Freehill’s. The fifth-year senior impressed the new staff in the spring. He’s always had a strong leg, which he’s displayed as kickoff man. But, Freehill has yet to attempt a field goal in college.

Freehill, who began his career at Oklahoma State, dealt with injury in 2022 that limited his availability. Now is his time to shine. Can he harness his big leg and be accurate?

2 – Is punter Jack Ansell ready to take the next step?

The Aussie endured some consistency issues as a freshman in 2021, averaging 38.3 yards per boot. But, Ansell leveled out last year as a sophomore and was a steady force, averaging 41.9 yards.

He never had punted in a game prior to arriving in America, so some issues should have been expected. Effort and want-to are never issues for Ansell, who could be poised for his best season yet.

3 – Will the return game be a threat?

For too long, the return game has been flacid, lacking game-breaking ability and go-the-distance potential. When did Purdue last run back a punt for a TD? You have to go back to 2009 (Aaron Valentin). The last kickoff return for a touchdown? That was in 2013 (Akeem Hunt).

Rondale Moore was a deadly option as a true freshman in 2018 before injury muted his availability and willingness his final two seasons.

Who will be the the return men in 2023? T.J. Sheffield, Deion Burks, Andrew Sowinski and Zion Steptoe, among others, could be options. Maybe a newcomer will help. Stay tuned.

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