WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Purdue Football finished its weekday practices of the third week of camp on Friday (Aug. 15) ahead of its second scrimmage on Saturday (Aug. 16).
The Boilermakers have put a strong emphasis on special teams throughout fall camp. James Shibest, who head coach Barry Odom calls "the best special teams coach in the country," leads the way for the group after he followed Odom to Purdue from UNLV.
“The great thing is he [Odom] understands the importance,” said Shibest. “There isn’t a day that goes by that he isn’t talking about special teams… I’m very grateful he does that. It’s not like that everywhere in the country.”
Like most position groups on Purdue's roster, both kicker and punter are in a two-man battle for playing time. Between the two positions, kicker Spencer Porath is the only returner.
“I’m trying to step up as a leader as the only guy here from last year,” said Porath. “Showing this is how we do things here. On the field, I’m working on getting quality reps over quantity.”
Porath's competition is sophomore transfer Seth Turner, who joined the Boilermakers after two seasons at UConn. Turner recently nailed a 56-yard field goal in practice to increase the positional competition.
“It felt great, and it’s probably the furthest ball I’ve hit in a practice,” said Turner. “In high school, my furthest in a game was 51 yards. It goes back to the whole operation and the guys blocking up front. Grateful they did a great job because that’s all required to get that kick up and through the uprights.”
Jack McCallister brings valuable experience to the punting competition with 41 games played over three seasons at Washington, including punting in the Huskies' 2024 CFP National Championship game vs. Michigan. He transferred to Nebraska in the spring before entering the portal again and joining the Boilermakers.
“It was a crazy ride and definitely unexpected for sure,” said McCallister. “I’m glad I’m here, and I’m ready for the season… I like Coach Shibest, and the scheme he runs was a good fit for me.”
Contrary to McCallister, Sam Dubwig is entering his redshirt freshman season after no appearances at Arkansas last season. He carries a big frame, 6-foot-4, 231 pounds, and is looking to grow his confidence in his first season as a Boilermaker.
“A year ago today, there’s wasn’t as much confidence as a true freshman,” said Dubwig. “Now that I’ve done this for a year and a half, I know what the landscape is like and know what the competition is like. We’re all at a high level for a reason.”
Shibest also noted that Michael Jackson III has impressed in the return game.
"The most impressive guy for us has been Michael Jackson," said Shibest. "He's unbelievable fielding the ball."
Purdue gears up for its second scrimmage on Saturday (Aug. 16) closed to the public and media.
