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Deep Dive: Spring Practice No. 1

On3 imageby:Tom Dienhart•03/03/25•

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It’s informative, it’s analytical, it’s opinionated, it’s the Deep Dive, a look at today’s football practice.

• The first practice is in the books on a cold, windy and slightly rainy day in West Lafayette. Barry Odom opted to work in those conditions instead of going inside. The tempo was good. And so was the music, with some AC/DC, Queen and Metallica.

• Marcus Mbow and Gus Hartwig took in the proceedings. Each says they are ready for Pro Day on Wednesday. Mbow will not take part in all of the drills. He seemed pleased with how he performed at the Combine and says he talked to the Ravens, Panthers, Dolphins, Broncos, Saints and Patriots. Mbow already has a visit set up with the Giants. Hartwig plans to go through the full paces on Pro Day and also will take part in the Colts local Pro Day later.

• Every NFL team but the Steelers is expected to be at Pro Day tomorrow.

• Practice was 23 periods, lots of reps for everyone. Session was longer than a typical Ryan Walters‘ practice.

• Purdue ran four offensive teams and four defensive teams during the practice. The pecking order at QB was Malachi Singleton, EJ Colson, Evans Chuba and Bennett Meredith. I will say this: Chuba throws a nice ball. Will be fun to watch him.

MORE: Purdue welcomed 11 recruits on Tuesday | Photo gallery from practice No. 1

• The No. 1 offensive line was lined up thusly: T Joey Tanona, G Jalen St. John, C Giordano Vaccaro, G Jaden Ball, T Bakyne Coly. The No. 2 line was Drew Woodruff, Tom Ewing, Ethan Trent, Hank Purvis, Max Parrott.

• Did not see DL Mo Omonode on the field.

• Boilermaker GM Brandon Lee was on hand to watch the first spring practice.

• At first glance, this team doesn’t have a lot of imposing specimens, not a lot of “meat on the hoof,” if you will. This roster is still being transformed, with as many as 20 players likely added in the April portal window.

• Injured players did conditioning work off the side, including Virginia Tech RB transfer Malachi Thomas. Memphis transfer S Tahj Ra-El was also out, wearing a boot on his right leg. Also out: LB Parker Meese, WR Luke Jones.

• By my count, Purdue has 113 players on the roster it distributed today. That number needs to be trimmed 105 before the season starts. Again, expect much more change between now and then. So, no hard decisions will have to be made for a while.

• Myriad recruits circled the practice fields.

• The latest roster included some new walk-ons: K Jake Wheeler, DB Luke Spear, OL Hayden Timosciek, OL Rocco Daly, OL Nicky Myer, DE Sam Goellner, DB DJ Greene.

• Purdue will be back on the field at 8:30 am on Thursday.

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