Old National Presents: The 3-2-1 of Purdue football

Three things learned. Two questions. One bold statement. It’s The 3-2-1, a look at Purdue football.

Three things learned

1 – Football in the air!

Barry Odom has taken the wraps off his first spring practice as he looks to undo the 5-19 knot of the last two seasons. His roster reconstruction has been well-documented. And, more change looms in the April portal window. But, for now, Odom’s feet are planted firmly in today as he sorts through the talent on hand.

“The most enjoyable part of the day is the two hours and some change you get on the field with your team or in meetings,” said Odom. “We’re teachers, and you know the urgency that we need to move with to move this program forward. We don’t have any time to waste.

“So, our guys understand, coaching wise, where we’ve got to be, how we need to teach, and then the loudest we should be is celebrating our success. I think this is year 26 for me, I believe and I’m more excited today than I was, whatever, 26 years ago. This is going to be a fun team to coach.”

2 – Injury report

During the season, the Big Ten releases an “availability” report an hour or so before kickoffs. Along those lines, Odom said he would provide a weekly update on injuries this spring, presumed to be on Tuesday, the first day of practice each week. Can’t recall a Purdue coach ever providing a formal weekly update on injuries, but it’s a good thing.

Purdue seems to be in pretty good health through the first week of spring drills. From what I can tell, the most prominent players out are NT Mo Omonode, S Tahj Ra-El and RB Malachi Thomas.

3 – Marcus Mbow looks NFL ready

Purdue held its Pro Day last week. And no Boilermaker looked more NFL ready than Mbow. And no Purdue player has more confidence about being tabbed than Mbow, famous for his easy-going way and fun nature.

“If teams know ball, I feel like they’ll pick me up in the first round,” said Mbow with a smile.

What do NFL squads like about the 6-5, 315-pound Mbow, who can play guard or tackle?

“My athleticism, my quickness, my knowledge of the game, you know, my understanding of my awareness,” said Mbow, who has no preference on position.

Could Mbow sneak into the first round?

Two questions

1 – Who will be the QB?

Way too early to know, as is the case with most positions on the team. The top three candidates: Malachi Singleton, EJ Colson and Evans Chuba. Has anyone stood out?

“It would be unfair (to say) … I saw a couple of guys make throws,” said Odom. “But until we look at entire body of work from start to finish, if I made a comment, it would be uninformed, not a very smart one.”

This is a battle the figures to drip into fall camp. And even when the season starts, it would not be a surprise if multiple quarterbacks play the first two weeks when Purdue opens vs. Ball State and Southern Illinois before USC comes to West Lafayette.

In my eyes, Chuba may have been the most impressive of the trio through one week. He has a bit of a side-arm motion, but his passes look sharp. And at 6-4, 215, he’s the biggest. Plus, Chuba can move.

2 – Who has impressed early on?

According to DC Mike Scherer, it is safety Sterling Smith, who came to Purdue last year as a walk-on transfer from FCS Holy Cross after playing at Cathedral in Indianapolis. The 6-1, 198-pound junior didn’t play a snap last season.

“Stu Smith is a heck of a player,” said Scherer. “He’s gonna be a big-time part of our defense. He was out there the first two days wearing No. 46. If you looked at him today, he was wearing No. 3 because he’s earned it. It goes along with work. If you put in the work, we’re gonna reward you. He’s earned that. He’s earned the position he’s in. He running with the top group. And he’s done a heck of a job at that position and done everything we want him to do. He’s a leader. He’ll continue to grow and learn his position. … “

One bold statement: Gus Hartwig will get drafted

I think some team will fall in love with the former Purdue center and select him on the third day of the NFL draft, which will take place April 24-26 in Green Bay.

“I thought I did pretty well,” said Hartwig after Pro Day. “Kind of showed my athleticism … I had a couple things. Kind of wasn’t perfect, but thought it went pretty well.”

QB Hudson Card, who took snaps from Hartwig the last two years, knows how valuable Hartwig is.

“You can see his talent on the field and what he’s capable of,” said Card. “I think what really separates him is his mind and being able to get into good situations. And he’s super smart and that’s exactly what you need as a center.”

The former Boilermaker–who also took part in the Shrine Bowl in January–was one of 11 Purdue players to work out for scouts from 31 of the 32 NFL teams last week.