Banged-up Purdue 'just played football' in second spring scrimmage
If there was a winner following Purdue’s second spring scrimmage on Saturday, it sounds like it was the defense.
“You always gotta check the tape,” said Purdue coach Ryan Walters. “But, other than like the last two series, I felt like defensively they played lot better than they have here of late. We’re banged up and still need some guys to get healthy.”
Purdue held its first 12th spring session without several key players who have been out all spring recovering from injury. Among likely projected starters who have been missing: NT Damarjhe Lewis, TE Garrett Miller, C Gus Hartwig, WR Broc Thompson and OLB Kydran Jenkins.
“We haven’t seen KJ, we haven’t seen Damarjhe (Lewis),” said Walters. “Scotty (Humpich), guys that have had some experience aren’t out there right now. And, obviously, the transfer portal opened today. I’m sure we’ll add some numbers. It could look a lot different. It could not. It just all depends.”
Bottom line: The roster figures to undergo lots of alterations with the transfer portal opening for a 15-day window until April 30. By the time camp opens in August, Purdue’s personnel figures to look a lot different.
“Our roster defensively will look a whole lot different come fall,” said Walters. “But, from a schematic standpoint and guys going out there and paying attention to their job and the details of their assignments, I thought it was a lot better day today.”
Walters put his first squad to the test on a hot, sunny day outdoors on the Bimel practice fields. Roughly 80 plays were run, with the first team getting around 40 and the second team roughly the same. What did the Boilermakers work on?
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“We played football today,” said Walters. “We played football today. Started off in red area. Started out from the minus-25 and then went to the plus-40. Just played football.”
Any standouts?
“Hudson Card,” said Walters. “I keep talking about him. He made a couple of throws there at the end to sort of give the offense some momentum. Deion Burks is always doing a good job. I mean, I could rattle off a bunch of guys. Nic Caraway, Yanni (Karlaftis) is taking some strides, some steps forward.”
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While many areas remain in flux, it sounds like Ben Freehill has grabbed hold of the kicking spot.
“Freehill’s doing an awesome job,” said Walters. “He’s been automatic. I’m pleased with where he’s at.”
The Boilermakers have three practices left with drills concluding next Saturday–April 22–with a final practice (not a game) to be held at Folk Field, which is the home of the women’s soccer team.
“Sometimes, spring games can get a little (like a) dog-and-pony show a little bit,” said Walters. “I don’t want to just go out there to have a session that’s not geared towards getting us better in the fall. And so in my mind with where we’re at from a roster standpoint and program standpoint, the best thing to do is have a practice.”
What’s the goal for the last week?
“I want to see us remaining healthy,” said Walters. “That is the goal. Obviously, come out and compete and get some good reps but definitely want to stay healthy this last week.”
