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Portal Analysis: Linebackers

On3 imageby:Tom Dienhart•01/25/25•

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The portal additions have come fast and furious this winter for Purdue, as new coach Barry Odom has been busy building a roster for his maiden team.

The current portal addition count for Purdue: 29. More players will be added in the spring when a second portal window opens April 16-25.

Who has Purdue added thus far? GoldandBlack.com takes a position-by-position look. Next up: Linebackers.

MORE POSITION ANALYSIS: Quarterbacks | Running backs | Tight ends/fullbacks | Offensive line | Receivers | Defensive line

LINEBACKER (3)

Player, school
 Carson Dean, Arkansas
Mani Powell, UNLV
 Alex Sanford, Arkansas

Linebacker was one of the most woeful areas on the team last year, as a lack of athletic ability was glaring. There was little speed or explosiveness … and consequently playmaking.

The previous staff moved Kydran Jenkins from rush end to linebacker, but he struggled to play in space and to cover. Jenkins ended up spending a lot of time back at d-end. Now, he’s gone, off to pursue an NFL career. The defense will miss his empty-the-bucket style.

Yanni Karlaftlis ended up playing a big role, but his lack of quickness often was exploited. He has transferred to Northwestern.

In the later stages of the season, Purdue turned to former walk-on Hudson Miller to be the anchor at linebacker. He played hard but often was overmatched. Miller is back and ideally will be a backup/special teams player.

Winston Berglund is a guy to watch. The former staff thought he had potential to be a key contributor. He’s tough, strong and a better athlete than you think. But Berglund has struggled to stay healthy.

Owen Davis is a big body, but he has yet to impact as injury has been an issue.

CARSON DEAN, 6-4, 234

Dean is a big, tough and rugged linebacker who’s almost large enough to be a defensive end. He played in just three games over two seasons in Arkansas. Is Dean ready to show why one recruiting service tabbed him a four-star prospect coming out of high school? He has three seasons to tap into his potential.

Carson Dean

MANI POWELL, 6-2, 230

The UNLV transfer–who played his first two seasons at Arkansas–could be a sleeper. Powell has played in 35 career games, started seven games last year in his one and only season with the Rebels. He may be the most athletic linebacker on the roster. Powell has one year of eligibility. Expect him to impact now.

Mani Powell

ALEX SANFORD, 6-1, 225

Sanford is the third portal linebacker to join Purdue who began his career at Arkansas, where Barry Odom was the defensive coordinator from 2021-22. Sanford played in 23 games in two seasons with the Razorbacks. He’ll have two years of eligibility at Purdue. Sanford has speed and quickness, excelling in space and coverage.

Alex Sanford

MORE: Who jumped in the portal for Purdue? | Who is coming from the portal? | Purdue 2025 newcomer roster |  GoldandBlack.com content hub: Welcome to the Barry Odom era

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