WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Purdue Football began preparing for the 2024 season Tuesday morning (March 19) with the first practice of the spring. The Boilermakers practiced inside the Mollenkopf Athletic Center, kicking off the second year under head coach Ryan Walters.
"Guys flying around, intensity was good," said Walters. "A lot of recall from the guys that have been here within the scheme, so excited to see the tape, but it's just day one."
Before Purdue started practice, Walters surprised defensive back Dillon Thieneman by unveiling his All-America banner in the indoor facility. Ranking third nationally in interceptions and solo tackles, while setting Purdue freshman records in both categories, Thieneman became the 50th All-American in program history.
"It's a great story," said Walters. "You got a freshman from right down the street who stays home and accomplishes what he did, 106 tackles and six interceptions, that's crazy. For him to be a freshman and carry himself the way he does, his legacy will now be etched in Purdue history forever. To do that in year one is remarkable, and the scary thing is he's only going to get better."
The unveiling was a surprise for Thieneman, as his parents Ken and Shannon drove up from Westfield, Indiana to see the banner drop.
"It was super surprising, they didn't tell me anything," said Thieneman. "It's an awesome feeling, but I have to give credit to my teammates because they are the real reason why I was able to put a banner up there."
Despite preparing to enter his sophomore season, Thieneman is now a leader in the locker room after a breakout year in which he was named FWAA Defensive Freshman Player of the Year and Big Ten Freshman of the Year. After being a statistical leader in 2023, he is ready for increased leadership responsibility on his side of the ball.
"Being more vocal, trying to be a leader, like the QB of the defense," said Thieneman. "Because I play deep, I can see what is going on and help direct people."
On offense, Hudson Card returns for his second year as Purdue's starting quarterback. He was All-Big Ten Honorable Mention a season ago, ranking third in the conference in passing yards per game and completions per game. Having one year under his belt, Card is more comfortable with the system and his own leadership role.
"Last year, I came in, everything was new to me. Now, I know what to expect having been here a year and having a relationship with all of the guys," said Card. "Excited to be out here and put some pads on – day one was fun."
As for what he wishes to accomplish this spring, Walters wants to see the Boilermakers master the fundamentals and techniques of what the team is trying to do from a schematic's standpoint, while developing depth and chemistry on both sides of the ball. Along with these goals, staying healthy is another important aspect heading into the fall.
"You've got to be smart with the reps," said Walters. "We've got to learn how to practice against each other, while still playing tough and physical – keeping each other up and recognizing that we're playing Purdue on Purdue. You're not winning games right now, but you can definitely make it harder if you're not playing smart."
Speaking of playing, the Boilermakers practice 15 times over the next month in addition to competing in a spring game, which is set for Saturday, April 13 at Ross-Ade Stadium. Kickoff of the scrimmage is set for noon, and admission is free.
"Guys flying around, intensity was good," said Walters. "A lot of recall from the guys that have been here within the scheme, so excited to see the tape, but it's just day one."
Before Purdue started practice, Walters surprised defensive back Dillon Thieneman by unveiling his All-America banner in the indoor facility. Ranking third nationally in interceptions and solo tackles, while setting Purdue freshman records in both categories, Thieneman became the 50th All-American in program history.
Forever in the rafters 🚂⬆️ pic.twitter.com/Udu2W1DRtV
— Purdue Football (@BoilerFootball) March 19, 2024
"It's a great story," said Walters. "You got a freshman from right down the street who stays home and accomplishes what he did, 106 tackles and six interceptions, that's crazy. For him to be a freshman and carry himself the way he does, his legacy will now be etched in Purdue history forever. To do that in year one is remarkable, and the scary thing is he's only going to get better."
The unveiling was a surprise for Thieneman, as his parents Ken and Shannon drove up from Westfield, Indiana to see the banner drop.
"I want my picture up there"@DillonThieneman spoke a childhood dream into existence, becoming our 50th All-American. pic.twitter.com/cFapoxIw8m
— Purdue Football (@BoilerFootball) March 19, 2024
"It was super surprising, they didn't tell me anything," said Thieneman. "It's an awesome feeling, but I have to give credit to my teammates because they are the real reason why I was able to put a banner up there."
Despite preparing to enter his sophomore season, Thieneman is now a leader in the locker room after a breakout year in which he was named FWAA Defensive Freshman Player of the Year and Big Ten Freshman of the Year. After being a statistical leader in 2023, he is ready for increased leadership responsibility on his side of the ball.
"Being more vocal, trying to be a leader, like the QB of the defense," said Thieneman. "Because I play deep, I can see what is going on and help direct people."
On offense, Hudson Card returns for his second year as Purdue's starting quarterback. He was All-Big Ten Honorable Mention a season ago, ranking third in the conference in passing yards per game and completions per game. Having one year under his belt, Card is more comfortable with the system and his own leadership role.
"Last year, I came in, everything was new to me. Now, I know what to expect having been here a year and having a relationship with all of the guys," said Card. "Excited to be out here and put some pads on – day one was fun."
As for what he wishes to accomplish this spring, Walters wants to see the Boilermakers master the fundamentals and techniques of what the team is trying to do from a schematic's standpoint, while developing depth and chemistry on both sides of the ball. Along with these goals, staying healthy is another important aspect heading into the fall.
"You've got to be smart with the reps," said Walters. "We've got to learn how to practice against each other, while still playing tough and physical – keeping each other up and recognizing that we're playing Purdue on Purdue. You're not winning games right now, but you can definitely make it harder if you're not playing smart."
Speaking of playing, the Boilermakers practice 15 times over the next month in addition to competing in a spring game, which is set for Saturday, April 13 at Ross-Ade Stadium. Kickoff of the scrimmage is set for noon, and admission is free.