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Assessing Purdue’s running backs before spring ball

On3 imageby:Tom Dienhart•02/17/25•

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It is full-steam ahead on the 2025 season for Purdue, as Barry Odom looks to take the next step in building his first Boilermaker squad when spring ball kicks off on March 4.

This is the second in a series of position-by-position breakdowns of the 2025 Purdue team as it preps for spring football.

MORE position analysis: QBs

RUNNING BACKS

Player, class
Antonio Harris, So
Addai Lewellen, So.
Jaheim Merriweather, So.
Devin Mockobee, 5thSr.
Ziare Stevens, Fr.
Jaron Thomas, Jr.
Malachi Thomas, 5thSr.

NOTES:

• It all begins with Devin Mockobee, the alpha back and a respected team leader. He’s poised to leave school as an all-time great. Mockobee has 2,466 career rushing yards, No. 9 in schools annals. Mike Alstott is No. 1 with 3,635 career yards. With a big season, Mockobee could finish on top.

• Can Mockobee close his career with a 1,000-yard rushing season? The last Purdue player to crack the barrier was Kory Sheets in 2008. If Mockobee hits 1,000, he would be just the sixth Purdue player to do so, joining Otis Armstrong, Scott Dierking, Mike Alstott, Joey Harris and Sheets. Armstrong and Alstott both turned the trick twice.

• Purdue hit the portal for help, landing Malachi Thomas from Virginia Tech. He’s a veteran, a physical back who was productive in Blacksburg. Thomas figures to carry a significant load. He dealt with ankle injuries during his time at Tech. Thomas’ most recent ankle injury limited him over the second half of this past season. When he’s healthy and in a scheme that highlights inside-zone running, he’s very good.

• The sky seems to be the limit for Jaheim Merriweather, who flashed as a true freshman. He is a big back, but he needs to secure the ball.

• Purdue has brought in two freshman backs: Ziaire Stevens and Jaron Thomas. Stevens is already enrolled. Will either be able to forge a role this fall?

• The only Ryan Walters assistant who was retained was RB coach Lamar Conard, which speaks to his value.

So close to Purdue’s 1,000-yard club

Purdue has had several players come close to rushing for 1,000 yards the last 40-plus seasons. A look at the Boilermakers’ 900-yard rushers since 1982

SeasonPlayerRushing yards
1982Mel Gray916
1997Edwin Watson927
2000Montrell Lowe998
2003Jerod Void952
2009Ralph Bolden935
2014Akeem Hunt949
2022Devin Mockobee968

MORE: Offensive depth chart | Defensive depth chart | Special teams depth chart | 2025 roster distribution | Purdue official roster

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