Top 30 Football Players: No. 4 Gus Hartwig
Purdue has started preparations for the 2024 campaign in training camp, gearing toward the season-opener on August 31 at home vs Indiana State. Let’s count down the top 30 Boilermakers as we march to the start of Ryan Walters‘ second season in West Lafayette.
No. 4 Gus Hartwig, C, Senior
Gus Hartwig has battled injury and a COVID season. He has battled on. Look at Hartwig now, poised to cap one of the most impressive careers for a Boilermaker offensive lineman in recent annals.
The Zionsville, Ind., native has been there and done that, having basically seen it all while make 36 career starts–more than any other Boilermaker. He’s poised to add to his legacy, as the 6-5, 305-pound Hartwig will be the anchor of a bigger and deeper line that looks like a strength for the 2024 squad.
“I come in my first year and we’re not that good and go 2-4 in the COVID year, kind of a weird year,” said Hartwig. “The next year, we win the Music City Bowl, and the next year we go to the Big Ten championship game.
“Last year, we’re not where we want to be. I want to leave the place better than where I found it, hopefully leaving in a better spot than when I came in five years ago and helping Coach (Ryan) Walters and everybody build this legacy.”
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Back in 2020, Hartwig became the first true freshman to start on Purdue’s offensive line since 2008. He started every game as a sophomore and then made 11 as a junior in 2022 before an injury ended his season. Hartwig missed the first three games of 2023 still recovering, but started the final nine tilts en route to earning All-Big Ten honorable mention.
“For him, being healthy going into an offseason was exciting for him,” said Walters. “He saw the direction the program was going and wanted to be a part of it. He’s been a stalwart in the locker room for a long time and has earned the respect of his peers.”
Quarterback Hudson Card appreciates having Hartwig.
“He’s one guy who has made a huge impact on the team,” said Card. “He’s unbelievable as a center, a super smart player and he’s a great leader and a great person.”
TOP 30 PURDUE PLAYER COUNTDOWN
