WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Following an off day, Purdue Football got back after it on Friday, with the weather clearing up just in time for the team to be outside at the Kozuch Football Performance Complex.
Coach Sam Carter was sporting the number 15 jersey today, which means the Purdue faithful are almost two weeks away from getting to see this team take the field for real. A huge factor in the success of this Boilermakers team will fall upon the broad shoulders of their defensive line. Coach Brick Haley took his turn to speak to the media today, complimenting his group on the culture they've established.
"It's all about camaraderie in the room," Haley said. "It doesn't matter if it's the first year, second year, third year. It's building that chemistry with the whole unit. I think these guys are starting to feel comfortable playing with each other, and that is one of the biggest portions of it because we all have to work together to make it work up front."
One guy who will be expected to take a big step forward in his second year in the system is senior Jeffrey M'Ba. The native of Gabon who came to the U.S. by way of France had a lot to overcome in his first year with the Boilers. Not only did he have to learn a new scheme, he was still trying to learn the language. He's ready to take on year two with a better understanding of both.
"I feel like I'm doing way better than last camp," M'Ba said of his improvement. "I feel like overall we understand more of the defense and what we have to do, knowing our assignments better. I feel like we've been better overall. Myself, but also my teammates are doing good as well…all of our players know exactly what they have to do, when they have to do it. We are ready to play fast, ready to play physical."
West Lafayette local Mo Omonode is another guy along that defensive front who will be pushing for a bigger role in 2024. The junior has appeared in 23 games for his hometown team and has made 21 tackles (three for a loss).
"I think I've just been able to develop my game since I've been here," Omonode said. "I came in with some good things about my game and some things I needed to work on. I feel like being here has helped me improve on what I had and build up what I didn't have. Brick [Haley] and PG [Preston Gordon] have been a big part of that for me. Even the other guys in the room, we all teach each other."
The Boilermakers return to practice Saturday, just two weeks from hosting Indiana State at Ross-Ade Stadium (Aug. 31). Single-game tickets are still available for the 2024 season.
Coach Sam Carter was sporting the number 15 jersey today, which means the Purdue faithful are almost two weeks away from getting to see this team take the field for real. A huge factor in the success of this Boilermakers team will fall upon the broad shoulders of their defensive line. Coach Brick Haley took his turn to speak to the media today, complimenting his group on the culture they've established.
"It's all about camaraderie in the room," Haley said. "It doesn't matter if it's the first year, second year, third year. It's building that chemistry with the whole unit. I think these guys are starting to feel comfortable playing with each other, and that is one of the biggest portions of it because we all have to work together to make it work up front."
One guy who will be expected to take a big step forward in his second year in the system is senior Jeffrey M'Ba. The native of Gabon who came to the U.S. by way of France had a lot to overcome in his first year with the Boilers. Not only did he have to learn a new scheme, he was still trying to learn the language. He's ready to take on year two with a better understanding of both.
"I feel like I'm doing way better than last camp," M'Ba said of his improvement. "I feel like overall we understand more of the defense and what we have to do, knowing our assignments better. I feel like we've been better overall. Myself, but also my teammates are doing good as well…all of our players know exactly what they have to do, when they have to do it. We are ready to play fast, ready to play physical."
West Lafayette local Mo Omonode is another guy along that defensive front who will be pushing for a bigger role in 2024. The junior has appeared in 23 games for his hometown team and has made 21 tackles (three for a loss).
"I think I've just been able to develop my game since I've been here," Omonode said. "I came in with some good things about my game and some things I needed to work on. I feel like being here has helped me improve on what I had and build up what I didn't have. Brick [Haley] and PG [Preston Gordon] have been a big part of that for me. Even the other guys in the room, we all teach each other."
The Boilermakers return to practice Saturday, just two weeks from hosting Indiana State at Ross-Ade Stadium (Aug. 31). Single-game tickets are still available for the 2024 season.