Purdue Boilermakers: College Football Preview
By Dave McKee
Aug 30, 2014; West Lafayette, IN, USA; Purdue Boilermakers defensive back Frankie Williams (24) is congratulated by his teammates after an interception and run back in the first half at Ross Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sandra Dukes-USA TODAY Sports
Much of the Purdue Boilermakers’ success will rely on their defensive playmakers to keep games in reach.
The biggest variable in determining the outcome of the Purdue Boilermakers’ season is their defense. The second half of the 2014 season was not kind to the Boilermaker defense as it disappeared down the stretch. Following their 38-27 victory at Illinois, the Boilers went 0-6 to close out the season. During that stretch, the defense buckled, allowing their opponents an average of 35 points per game.
Defensive Line:
Both, Ryan Russell and Jelani Phillips are gone. The responsibility falls on the shoulders of sophomore Gelen Robinson – once he returns from suspension – and junior Evan Panfil to replace them at defensive end. Incumbent junior, Jake Replogle will return at nose tackle for the Purdue Boilermakers to anchor the middle of their defense. Play-making senior Ryan Watson will line up next to Replogle at defensive tackle.
Linebackers:
The Boilers’ linebackers are a young but talented group. Sophomore Ja’Whaun Bentley will direct the front seven from the middle linebacker position. Bentley finished second on the team in tackles as a freshman in 2014 and has the potential to make great strides in 2015. Bentley will be joined by sophomore Danny Ezechukwu and junior Jimmy Herman as the two outside linebackers setting the edge.
Secondary:
Now for the Secondary, is the glass half full? Or half empty? There is a high upside for this group, but consistency is a must for them to find success in the Big Ten. Senior, Frankie Williams will lead the group from either the corner or safety position. Williams had 74 tackles in 2014 and with his positional flexibility allows him to roam the secondary as a playmaker. Athlon Sports recently highlighted the Boilermaker secondary:
"“Senior Anthony Brown will start at one corner after making 54 tackles last season, and hard-hitting junior Robert Gregory likely will start at one of the safety positions. If Hazell decides to play Williams at safety with Gregory, junior Leroy Clark probably will start at the corner opposite Brown.”"
Next: The Boilers Offense looks to their O-Line for Success