Purdue pass rush adds more fuel with Georgia OLB transfer C.J. Madden
Ask any coach: A defense never has enough pass rushers. Purdue appears to have added a good one from the transfer portal in Georgia’s C.J. Madden.
“I am coming,” he said. “I am coming to compete.”
The Georgia OLB committed to Purdue on Saturday during a visit that began on Friday. He has three years of eligibility and will arrive in January.
Madden is one of eight transfers Ryan Walters has lured from the portal, which is open for 30 days from December 4-January 2. More portal additions are coming, as Walters looks to augment his roster after a 4-8 debut. And, no addition so far has as much promise and potential as Madden.
“Purdue runs a unique scheme,” said Madden, a four-star recruit in the Class of 2022 from Ellenwood, Ga., and Cedar Grove High. “The unique way that they run the defense. I am viewed as the ‘Fox,’ which is the outside linebacker on the field side.
“Purdue just checked all of the boxes for me. Academically, they put together a good plan for me. Nice campus, nice facilities. It’s a college town, which I am used to. I can’t wait.”
The 6-3, 239-pound Madden will join a robust OLB unit in West Lafayette that is anchored by two of the Big Ten’s best: Nic Scourton and Kydran Jenkins. They were a dangerous tandem last year, ranking 1-2 in the Big Ten in sacks. Scourton had 10 and Jenkins 7.5.
“Seeing what those two are like was impressive,” said Madden. “I watched some film. They are dominant players. The work hard. It will be fun to play with them. I can’t wait to celebrate with them, but you have to earn the right to rush the passer.”
At Georgia, Madden played in one game in 2022–when he redshirted–and seven last season, making three tackles. He was part of deep collection of OLBs at Georgia. His path to playing time won’t be as crowded at Purdue, where he will be joined by Boston College transfer Shitta Sillah (who committed on Friday) along with rising sophomore Will Heldt.
“I can get the quarterback off his spot,” said Madden. “Make him make quick decisions, annoying towards the quarterback. Just try to wreak havoc in the backfield. And I can be physical in the run game, too, set the edge.
“I also can drop into coverage in space, get to a landmark.”
Purdue OLB coach Joe Dineen contacted Madden the moment he hit the portal. The day after, Dineen went to visit Madden.
“That showed me a lot,” he said. “They had real interest. I am ready to go.”
MORE: Purdue transfer portal tracker | 2024 scholarship distribution chart
