Purdue coach Ryan Walters: 'I think we're ready'

School has started, training camp is winding down and the start of the season is nigh. Is Purdue primed to play Fresno State on September 2nd in Ross-Ade Stadium?

“I think we’re ready,” said Ryan Walters after Tuesday’s workout. “We’re getting guys back that were a little dinged up. We had a really good rejuvenation weekend. So, they are out there fresh today. They had Monday off, first day of classes. Look fast, look sharp, both physically and mentally. This was a really good practice. I was really happy with it.”

The dog days of August are nearing an end as the 2023 season approaches for Walters, who begins his first year leading Purdue having revamped the roster and installed new schemes.

The Boilermakers will practice again on Wednesday and Thursday. Then, on Friday, Purdue will hold a closed mock game in Ross-Ade Stadium. And next week will be game week, as Walters takes the lid off his head coaching career.

“I learned that they believe in what we’re doing and they believe in each other,” said Walters. “We’ve asked them to do some things that they haven’t done in the past and they just kind of roll with it, fought through it. And I think we’re better because of it.”

Purdue has gotten through camp relatively healthy. It did lose projected starting wideout Jahmal Edrine–a transfer from Florida Atlantic–to a season-ending knee injury early in camp.

“Obviously would have loved to have had Jahmal,” said Walters. “You guys will see next year, that dude, he’s special. I think it speaks volumes the guys in that group were talking about how special he is. Luckily, that was probably our most deep position. And so we’re happy with the guys we got and I don’t think there’ll be a drop off in production.”

Purdue also is down to its No. 3 center as Gus Hartwig and Josh Kaltenberger fight back from knee injuries. Colorado transfer Austin Johnson has been the No. 1 center in their absence.

“Both of those guys are progressing as we thought they would,” said Walters. “Gus has really been attacking his rehab and ramped it up here lately. And Kaltenberger, I think, is ahead of schedule, so we’ll see if he’s ready Week One. But, if he’s not, he’ll be ready Week Two, no doubt.”

MORE: Purdue Football 2023 Training Camp Content Hub

What has impressed Walters in camp?

“I’ve been really impressed with the progress of the offensive line,” said Walters. “Impressed with the understanding of the scheme on defense and then, obviously, I’m impressed with Hudson Card.”

Despite not arriving until January after transferring from Texas, Card was named one of five captains today along with safety Sanoussi Kane, receiver T.J. Sheffield, outside linebacker Nic Scourton and Hartwig.

“I think it’s telling the way he went in and went to work,” said Walters. “He was by far the top vote-getter for captain as voted on by his peers. That was good to see.”

Arriving early to go through spring ball was a big boon.

“It was hugely beneficial, not only for a schematic standpoint, but just the locker room, as well,” said Walters. “They got to know him, he got to know them to really gel. Anytime you’re getting transfers in, the thing you worry about is just chemistry. Doesn’t matter how old guys are, it’s just they got to come together and try to accomplish something as a team.”

Also good to see: Solid play by a cornerback spot that saw veteran Jamari Brown hit the transfer portal last week. The room is now stocked entirely with transfers and freshmen.

“I’ve been really impressed with their understanding, when we can be aggressive, when we got to play with depth, them diving in, because the scheme is a little bit different than what they’re used to,” said Walters.

“I’m happy they’re here. Obviously, I think it was an improvement. They came in and some guys left and that’s because they’re good players and so I’m glad they are here.”

Work remains to be done before the opener.

“We are treating this week like it’s a bye week,” said Walters. “So, we’ll do some good-on-good early on. I’ll start sprinkling in some Fresno State in the middle-to-the-end of the week. And then Sunday will be like a Tuesday practice. Tuesday, Wednesday will be a combination of a normal Tuesday and normal Wednesday. …

“I’ve learned that when we are paying attention to the details, we’re gonna be pretty damn good.”