What role could 2023 freshmen play this fall?

Who among the 2023 true freshmen are ready for some football?

That’s what Purdue staffers will be wondering when camp opens in August. It’s always a big ask to expect true freshmen to play key roles right out of the box. Last year, only two played a significant enough amount of time to use a year of eligibility: OLB Nic Caraway and NT Mo Omondoe. Everyone else redshirted.

Purdue had seven freshmen arrive in January and take part in spring drills: OLB Will Heldt, S Dillon Thieneman, S Ethon Cole, NT Jamarrion Harkless, QB Ryan Browne, CB Zion Gunn, LB Owen Davis. Will any of them–or the eight others who arrived this summer–be key contributors this fall?

Here’s our guess as to what to expect from each 2023 true freshman this season.

Will play role

DB Winston Berglund. He already has a well-developed body that could lend itself perhaps to one day being a linebacker. Bottom line: Berglund can hit and cover. He looks like a special-teamer, at the least, this fall.

NT Jamarrion Harkless. He’s a monolith who arrived with a gift from the football gods (6-4, 315) to play nose tackle. Harkless could be part of nice rotation that will include Cole Brevard, Damarjhe Lewis, and Omonode.

OLB Will Heldt. The 6-6, 240-pound Heldt is an imposing figure who is just physically scratching the surface. All spring, the Carmel (Ind.) High product turned heads with burst and want-to. He’s gonna help at what’s the most talented position on the roster.

S Dillon Thieneman. The third and final Thieneman brother is the best of all. Unlike older siblings Jacob and Brennan, Dillon arrived on campus with a scholarship. He’s faster than you think and already is an advance technician who was running with the first-team late in spring drills.

Will see spot duty

ATH Arhmad Branch. This freaky athlete earned a late offer, as Ryan Walters was intrigued by Branch’s leaping and explosiveness. Could Branch help in the return game? It’s not know what position he’ll play: wideout or defensive back.

LB Owen Davis. The staff has been impressed with Davis, who is part of a thin collection of inside linebackers. He could see spot duty and likely help on special teams.

RB Mondrell Dean. He’s one of the more dynamic athletes in this class, but he will have issues getting playing time at a running back spot that already has some nice options. But Dean–also a standout defender in high school–may be able to help on special teams with his want-to and passion.

WR Ryne Shackelford. He may be able to help on special teams. As a wideout? He may be crowded out by veterans this fall.

Will likely just watch

QB Ryan Browne. He’s mature beyond his years, spending a season at a prep school. But Browne figures to just watch and learn behind Hudson Card and Bennett Meredith.

TE George Burhenn. He’s a terrific 6-5 athlete, but Burhenn needs to fill out his frame. Plus, Purdue already has four good tight ends in Garrett Miller, Paul Piferi, Max Klare and Drew Biber.

DE Drake Carlson. He has a nice 6-4 frame, but Carlson needs time to develop. And, the presence of three SEC transfers at d-end will add to the difficult path to the field for Carlson in 2023.

S Ethon Cole. He arrived early but was out all spring dealing with a shoulder injury.

CB Zion Gunn. At 6-4, he’s an intriguing option. But the arrival of four portal cornerbacks and a JC transfer at the spot will make it difficult for Gunn to see any key time.

CB Derrick Rogers. He likely won’t be ready to compete for a spot with so many other veteran options. If he can run back kicks, he could forge a role.

WR Jaron Tibbs. At 6-4, Tibbs has a nice frame. And he has shown good hands. But he could use a season to develop in what already is a deep collection of veteran wideouts.

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