Purdue head coach Barry Odom came out of Monday’s practice feeling good about where his team stands after fall camp’s 14th session, and Saturday night’s scrimmage seemed to sharpen that confidence.
Odom said the Boilermakers were pleased with how the scrimmage went, then spent extra time in meetings breaking down the film. The next step is to begin building toward Indiana State over the next couple of days, even though the Sycamores will first play SEMO this weekend.
He said the staff will start easing game preparation into the schedule soon, but the big picture remains simple: get the team ready to play fast. Odom said they already know what they are going to call in Week 1 and wants to see the players operate “fast and free.”
Health was another encouraging note. Odom said Purdue came out of the scrimmage “pretty injury free.”
From a football standpoint, he liked what he saw on both sides. He said the Boilermakers have been more consistent in execution, and that the players making plays are starting to separate when the pressure turns up. He also pointed to strong quarterback play and said the offensive line communicated well.
Odom named a long list of offensive players who stood out as playmakers: George Burhenn, Travis Terrell Jr., De'Nylon Morrissette, Xavier Townsend, Fame Ijeboi, Antonio Harris, Asad Waseem, Bisi Owens, and Jesse Watson. He said the offense will be handled “by committee” and that the staff is interested in seeing who keeps earning more snaps.
On defense, he highlighted Jeremy Lewis, Keyshawn Burgos, Ian Jeffries, CJ Madden, Trey Smith, Breeon Ishmail, Curt Neal, Rodney Lora, Charles Correa, Jojo Hayden, Anthony Speca, Tre Moore, Mister Clark, Don Saunders, Hudauri Hines, Justin Denson Jr, and Jaden Mangham, whom he said is being moved around. Odom said he likes the versatility on that side of the ball and believes the group is playing with confidence.
There were also a couple of personnel updates. Odom said Anthony Speca has been out but should be back for the opener. Smiley Bradford is away from football activities “dealing with a personal matter.”
The kicking job remains unsettled, too. Odom said the staff is still evaluating that situation and it could change during the season depending on how things go.
He also addressed a bigger issue that has been bothering him. Odom said it is “mind-boggling” to see players trying to return to college after not making an NFL roster.
“I look at the value of the game of college football and I want to protect that.” At some point, he said, it ends for everybody.
Based on what he understands about the rules right now, he said he would not bring any of those players back onto the roster.
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