Through five practices, Purdue offense has been 'explosive'
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Explosive. That’s the word second-year coach Ryan Walters uses to describe the Purdue offense through the first five practices of training camp.
“Hudson Card, being in Year Two, he’s getting to his answers early,” said Walters.” He’s got a command of the huddle and what those guys are trying to accomplish. He has been accurate through five practices.”
Walters and his staff are hard at work in the West Lafayette heat assembling a team that’s melding in 37 new players as it jets toward the season opener on August 31 vs. Indiana State.
Card hasn’t been the only player on point for an offense that drips with potential.
“Our wideouts are tall, they’re explosive, they’re strong, they block,” said Walters. “And then our tight ends are very versatile. And having those two running backs (Devin Mockobee and Reggie Love), they complement each other well and our offensive line, a lot more depth than it had a year ago. Bigger, stronger, on the same page. Those guys are clicking and it’s making our defense play well.”
That offense will be put to the test on Thursday, when the program will have its first scrimmage of camp. What will Walters be looking for?
“Execution and playing the right way,” he said. “You’d like to see some of the guys that you’re counting on for depth to be guys that you can count on for depth. You want to see first-team people separate themselves that are in position battles. Staying healthy is the main key.”
The scrimmage also will be a chance for the defense to show it has made strides.
“Our defenses is a lot better than it was a year ago,” said Walters. “And we got guys that are athletic and long. So, it’s been a good back and forth. A lot of competition, but they’re practicing the right away.”
Camp is already taking a toll on the roster. CB Tarrion Grant, WR Kam Brown, DL Joe Anderson and OL Rod Green all have yet to practice because of what’s presumed to be injury. Today, they were joined by RE CJ Madden, OLs Corey Stewart and Joshua Sales and DL Damarjhe Lewis, who also was inactive on Friday. Anderson, Madden and Stewart are believed to be projected starters.
“We’ve got a couple guys dinged up, normal football wear and tear through five really hard practices,” said Walters. “What I will say is our guys are getting after it. Not having to coach or correct effort or physicality. So, when you practice that way, football by nature is tough. It’s a physical sport and so you’re gonna have some minor issues. …
“If we had a game today, a lot of those guys would be playing. But we don’t have a game today. So, I want to make sure that they’re fresh and ready to go August 31.”
Purdue will be back on the field on Tuesday.
