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Purdue Boilermakers: College Football Preview

By Dave McKee

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Oct 18, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Purdue Boilermakers wide receiver Danny Anthrop (33) jumps over Minnesota Golden Gophers defensive back Damarius Travis (7) in the second half at TCF Bank Stadium. The Gophers won 39-38. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

The Boilermakers’ offense will need to rely on a strong offensive line to protect Appleby while he feeds the ball to playmakers new and old.

 Quarterback:

Coach Hazell has already named junior, Austin Appleby, the starter for 2015. Danny Etling has transferred to LSU for the 2015 season. The Boilermakers rallied behind Appleby  in their first Big Ten victory under coach Hazell. Appleby struggled throughout November but was a serviceable quarterback. He should improve after a solid spring. However, should he begin to struggle, redshirt freshman David Blough, or true freshman Elijah Sindelar could step in.

Running Back:

The Boilermakers can no longer rely on Akeem Hunt and Raheem Mostert like they did last season , as both have departed for the NFL. Instead, they will be relying on 2014 IHSAA Mr. Football award winner, freshman Markell Jones and sophomores D.J. Knox and Keyante Green. According to Mike Carmin of the Lafayette Journal & Courier:

"“Although no official depth chart has been released, D.J. Knox has the No. 1 spot with Jones right behind the sophomore. Keyante Green, the only running back with game experience in the backfield, has taken a bulk of the snaps with the No. 3 offense."

Regardless of the order, the Boilermakers will look to utilize at least three running backs this season. Right now, Jones is part of the mix.”

Offensive Line:

At center, Rimington Trophy candidate, senior Robert Kugler will continue anchoring an offensive line that returns all five starters and should be much more improved due to their cohesiveness. Alongside Kugler the returning starters are; offensive tackles David Hedelin and J.J Prince; and guards Jordan Roos and J.J. Prince.

Wide Receivers:

Wide receiver Danny Anthrop returns as the leading receiver for the Boilermakers. Questions still loom on if he will be 100% following a knee surgery in December. If healthy, Anthrop could be one of the top receivers in the Big Ten. Anthrop will garner much of the attention of opposing defenses which should help in the development of the other wide receivers. Two JUCO transfers were added to the roster this year, Domonique Young and Anthony Mahoungou, both are big receivers who are capable downfield threats. Junior Deangelo Yancey looks to rebound from a disappointing sophomore season. According to Mike Carmin:

"“DeAngelo Yancey made only 12 catches last season, about 20 less than his freshman season. In the end, Yancey wasn’t ready for the spotlight and is in a much better place mentally to enjoy a productive season.”"

Specialists:

The Boilermakers’ biggest strength will be its special teams group that returns two seniors, punter Thomas Meadows and Lou Groza Award candidate, kicker Paul Griggs.

Next: Indiana Hoosiers: College Football Preview

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