Purdue’s three representatives at Big Ten Media Day all circled the same theme on Wednesday: this team believes it is closer, tighter and more connected than it was a year ago.
Quarterback Ryan Browne, linebacker Charles Correa and wide receiver De'Nylon Morrissette each described a locker room that feels different in a good way. Browne said the togetherness inside the room is better than it has ever been, while Correa and Morrissette both pointed to chemistry, leadership and urgency as the traits that could shape the season.
For Browne, the biggest step forward starts with the ball. He said taking care of the football is at the top of his list, and he pointed to too many red zone mistakes as an area that has to improve. He also said he has learned a lot of details about Purdue’s offense this offseason.
Browne also made it clear he thinks the team’s success will come from staying unified when things get difficult. He said the most important thing is for the group to stay together, adding that the team is really together and loves each other, and that will show when it has to deal with hard things.
He also had a little fun when talking about Morrissette, joking that he does not stop talking. Browne added that Fletcher Loyer was his roommate at Purdue and wished him well with the Clippers. On the defensive side, Browne singled out transfer defensive tackle Curt Neal as a player to watch, calling him a "game-wrecker."
Correa’s comments centered on family, leadership and the people around him. He said his family flew out from Hawai'i, and explained that his mom works as a flight attendant for Hawaiian Airlines, which means they get free flights. He said they come out to every game and stay with him in West Lafayette.
He also said leadership is a major part of this year’s team. Correa described Barry Odom as being like a second father to him, saying their conversations go beyond football. He added that Odom is very light-hearted and has a fun side that some people may not get to see.
Like Browne, Correa emphasized chemistry as a key ingredient for whatever Purdue becomes this season. He also named Winston Berglund, Anthony Speca and Jojo Hayden as linebackers to keep an eye on.
Morrissette focused on the sense of urgency around the program. He said getting to where they need to be has been a key point so far this year, and noted that the team has extra walk-throughs so everyone knows exactly where they need to be at the right time.
He also said the hardest part of not playing last season was watching from the sideline and not being able to help the team. For Morrissette, the season will come down to connection and seriousness, and he said both will be important if Purdue wants to reach its goals.
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