WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Purdue Football broke out the pads to start week two of spring practice, always a welcomed sight for the defensive side of the ball.
When the pads are strapped on, both sides of the ball battle in the tranches for superiority. Entering his second year back with the Boilermakers, co-defensive coordinator Mark Hagen coaches the defensive lineman tasked with stopping the run and putting pressure on the quarterback. While Purdue has to find someone to fill the void of 2021 All-American and projected first round draft pick George Karlaftis, Hagen knows that guys are ready to step up.
"I like our group," said Hagen. "You miss having five (Karlaftis) out there. Great player, but that's college football for you. The great ones move along, and you've got to get the next group of guys in to grow and mature. Then the guys that have been with you for a while have to take those next couple steps."
The Boilermakers enter 2022 with several seniors on the defensive line. Lawrence Johnson started all 13 games at defensive tackle a season ago, while Branson Deen made 11 starts at the other tackle position. The duo combined for 60 tackles last year, including 14 tackles for loss. Another senior, Jack Sullivan, played in all 13 games and registered a trio of starts opposite of Karlaftis.
Add in Kydran Jenkins, who recorded a team-high five sacks as a redshirt-freshman, Purdue's defensive line consists of veterans that provide plenty of experience. The Boilermakers also welcomed in some new faces to provide depth to the position. J.P. Deeter, Mo Omonode and Joe Strickland all enrolled early to join the team for spring ball.
"We're excited about those guys," said Deen. "It's a young group that really wants to learn. They are really intrigued about finding out new things and making the transition from high school."
Strickland, a consensus 4-star prospect, faced fellow Purdue freshman Brady Allen in the Indiana 3A State Championship game last year. The two are now roommates, and along with the other early enrollees, they are adjusting to the college life together.
"The five of us, we're together all the time. During the week, on the weekends, it's definitely a bond," said Strickland. "We're all waking up and getting to the building at the same time, doing the same lifts and same drills."
The combination of veterans and newcomers is pivotal in a physical league like the Big Ten. Depth is a key, and the Boilermakers hope to build on that this spring heading into the 2022 campaign.
"On the line in the Big Ten, if you play as hard as we expect you to play, then you have to have that next round of guys ready to come in – it's a lineman's league," said Hagen.
Purdue continues practice throughout the month of March before wrapping up the spring season with the annual spring game, April 9, at Ross-Ade Stadium. Kickoff is set for noon and admission is free.
When the pads are strapped on, both sides of the ball battle in the tranches for superiority. Entering his second year back with the Boilermakers, co-defensive coordinator Mark Hagen coaches the defensive lineman tasked with stopping the run and putting pressure on the quarterback. While Purdue has to find someone to fill the void of 2021 All-American and projected first round draft pick George Karlaftis, Hagen knows that guys are ready to step up.
"I like our group," said Hagen. "You miss having five (Karlaftis) out there. Great player, but that's college football for you. The great ones move along, and you've got to get the next group of guys in to grow and mature. Then the guys that have been with you for a while have to take those next couple steps."
The Boilermakers enter 2022 with several seniors on the defensive line. Lawrence Johnson started all 13 games at defensive tackle a season ago, while Branson Deen made 11 starts at the other tackle position. The duo combined for 60 tackles last year, including 14 tackles for loss. Another senior, Jack Sullivan, played in all 13 games and registered a trio of starts opposite of Karlaftis.
Add in Kydran Jenkins, who recorded a team-high five sacks as a redshirt-freshman, Purdue's defensive line consists of veterans that provide plenty of experience. The Boilermakers also welcomed in some new faces to provide depth to the position. J.P. Deeter, Mo Omonode and Joe Strickland all enrolled early to join the team for spring ball.
"We're excited about those guys," said Deen. "It's a young group that really wants to learn. They are really intrigued about finding out new things and making the transition from high school."
Strickland, a consensus 4-star prospect, faced fellow Purdue freshman Brady Allen in the Indiana 3A State Championship game last year. The two are now roommates, and along with the other early enrollees, they are adjusting to the college life together.
"The five of us, we're together all the time. During the week, on the weekends, it's definitely a bond," said Strickland. "We're all waking up and getting to the building at the same time, doing the same lifts and same drills."
The combination of veterans and newcomers is pivotal in a physical league like the Big Ten. Depth is a key, and the Boilermakers hope to build on that this spring heading into the 2022 campaign.
"On the line in the Big Ten, if you play as hard as we expect you to play, then you have to have that next round of guys ready to come in – it's a lineman's league," said Hagen.
Purdue continues practice throughout the month of March before wrapping up the spring season with the annual spring game, April 9, at Ross-Ade Stadium. Kickoff is set for noon and admission is free.