Purdue's Jalen Graham won't play in Citrus Bowl
If Purdue is going to upset LSU in the Citrus Bowl, it will have to do so without Jalen Graham.
According to sources, the Boilermakers’ safety/linebacker had not practiced once in preparation for the bowl. He recently accepted a bid to play in the East-West Shrine Bowl, signalling the end of his Boilermaker career. He had been a key cog in the Purdue defense in 2022. With Graham out, look for Bryce Hampton to step up.
Graham is the latest Purdue player who won’t be available for the Citrus Bowl, joining QB Aidan O’Connell, TE Payne Durham, WR Charlie Jones and CB Cory Trice. The squad also saw G Spencer Holstege transfer to UCLA.
The senior earned consensus honorable mention All-Big Ten honors in 2022, ranking No. 2 on the team in tackles with 52 despite playing only nine games due to injury. He missed the Indiana State, Syracuse, Florida Atlantic and Minnesota games. Graham also had 5.0 TFLs and a sack. He famously had a pick-six vs. Northwestern nullified when Graham was flagged for high-stepping en route to the end zone.
Graham finishes his career with 169 tackles, 12.5 TFLs, 2.0 sacks and three interceptions with a TD. He likely projects as a Day Three pick in the 2023 NFL draft.
