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Draft Scout College Football Player News: Purdue

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11/07/21 - Aidan OConnell, rSr/2023, Purdue + More +

NOV 7 WALTER CAMP NATIONAL OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK: AIDAN O'CONNELL, PURDUE, 5th Year, Quarterback, Lake Grove, IL/Stevenson,...Aidan O'Connell threw for 536 yards (40-of-54) and three touchdowns as Purdue defeated third-ranked Michigan State, 40-29. O'Connell's 536 yards were the third-highest single-game total in Purdue history. With the win, the Boilermakers improved to 6-3, 4-2 in the Big Ten. Notes: Aidan O'Connell is the sixth Purdue player to earn Walter Camp National Player of the Year honors since 2004, and the first since former running back D.J. Knox (Oct. 20, 2018). - The Walter Camp Football Foundation

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QB Aidan OConnell, Purdue
News Source: The Walter Camp Football Foundation
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11/07/21 - Aidan OConnell, rSr/2023, Purdue + More +

Purdue coach Jeff Brohm already had a reputation for running trick plays - and for leading his unranked team to upsets of top-5 opponents. His Boilermakers added to that legacy on Saturday. Aidan O'Connell matched his career high by throwing three touchdown passes - including one on a reverse, flea-flicker screen pass to Jackson Anthrop - and Purdue toppled a Big Ten giant for the second time this season, beating No. 5 Michigan State 40-29 and leaving the conference without an unbeaten team. "We run a multitude of trick plays, you guys have seen that," Brohm said. "This is one we do, kind of double reverse stuff, you know, throw it behind the line of scrimmage. To be honest with you, I stole it from a YouTube video of a high school team years ago and the first time we ran it, it went for a touchdown." For Brohm, exotic gadget plays have been a regular feature even before he arrived on Purdue's campus. In fact, his innovative play-calling was one reason the Boilermakers hired him from Western Kentucky after the 2016 season.

This time, the beautifully executed gimmick - O'Connell handed off to Anthrop on an end-around, who gave it to receiver Milton Wright on a reverse, who pitched it back to O'Connell, who tossed a screen to Anthrop - resulted in a 39-yard touchdown that set the stage for something bigger. The score put the Boilermakers ahead 21-7, and Purdue went on to control most of the game against the previously unbeaten Spartans (8-1, 5-1 Big Ten, No. 3 CFP). Purdue (6-2, 4-2), pulled off its second top-five upset in four weeks, became bowl-eligible for the first time in three years and extended its FBS record for wins by an unranked team over a top-five foe to 17 - three of them under Brohm. The Boilermakers shocked No. 2 Iowa 24-7 on the Hawkeyes' home field last month. Purdue also stunned then-No. 2 Ohio State 49-20 on Oct. 20, 2018. - Purdue/AP College Football

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QB Aidan OConnell, Purdue
News Source: Purdue/AP College Football
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11/03/21 - Jalen Graham, rSr/2023, Purdue + More +

NOV 1 BIG TEN DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Jalen Graham, Purdue, LB/S – Jr. – Detroit, Mich. – Cass Technical (Mich.),...Registered the first two interceptions of his career in Purdue's 28-23 win at Nebraska. Added six tackles and a pass breakup...Returned his first interception of the game 45 yards for a touchdown to tie the game at 7-7 in the second quarter. The interception return for a touchdown marked Purdue's first pick-six since Oct. 12, 2019, vs. Maryland...Became the second Purdue defender to record two interceptions in a game this season, joining junior safety Cam Allen. Is just the 12th Purdue defender to record a multi-interception game since 2000...Earns the first Defensive Player of the Week honor of his career...Last Purdue Defensive Player of the Week: Cam Allen (Oct. 18, 2021). - Big Ten Football

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OLB Jalen Graham, Purdue
News Source: Big Ten Football
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10/30/21 - Aidan OConnell, rSr/2023, Purdue + More +

Purdue didn't let a bad performance in its previous game carry over to the next one. Aidan O'Connell threw for two touchdowns, Purdue intercepted four of Adrian Martinez's passes, and the Boilermakers beat Nebraska 28-23 on Saturday. Purdue (5-3, 3-2 Big Ten) bounced back from last week's home loss to Wisconsin to move within one win of bowl eligibility for the first time in four years. "We know we didn't play good last week," O'Connell said. "It was probably our worst game of the season offensively. So we knew we could play better. It wasn't like we were pondering if we can play football. We know we can play good football." Nebraska (3-6, 1-5) lost its third straight game and would have to win out against Ohio State, Wisconsin and Iowa to get to a bowl for the first time in five years. The Huskers entered the game as a touchdown favorite, and the loss is certain to ratchet up the pressure another notch on fourth-year coach Scott Frost. Nebraska was coming off an open date following its 30-23 loss at Minnesota and had two touchdowns and a field goal on its first four possessions. But the Huskers fell flat coming out of halftime. - Purdue/AP College Football

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QB Aidan OConnell, Purdue
News Source: Purdue/AP College Football
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10/20/21 - *David Bell, Jr/2022, Purdue + More +

OCT 18 BIG TEN OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK: David Bell, Purdue, WR - Jr. - Indianapolis, Ind. - Warren Central (Ind.),...Hauled in 11 receptions for a career-high 240 yards (21.8 avg.) and a touchdown in Purdue's 24-7 road win over then-No. 2 Iowa...His 240 receiving yards marked the second-highest single-game total in team history behind only Chris Daniels' 301 yards vs. Michigan State in 1999. Additionally, the 240 receiving yards are the second most by a FBS player in a single game this season, trailing only Texas' Xavier Worthy (261 vs. Oklahoma on Oct. 9)...Eclipsed the 200-yard mark for the first time in his career and has registered at least 100 receiving yards in 14 of his 23 career games. Moved into fifth place all-time in Purdue history in career receiving yards (2,339), eighth in career receiving touchdowns (19) and ninth in career receptions (177)...Earns the second Offensive Player of the Week accolade of his career; was also named Freshman of the Week four times in 2019...Last Purdue Offensive Player of the Week: David Bell (Oct. 26, 2020). - Big Ten Football

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WR *David Bell, Purdue
News Source: Big Ten Football
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10/20/21 - Cam Allen, rSr/2024, Purdue + More +

OCT 18 BIG TENDEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Cam Allen, Purdue, S - Jr. - Bluefield, Va. - Graham (Va.),...Snagged two interceptions in the fourth quarter to help seal a 24-7 road win over then-No. 2 Iowa. Also added four tackles (two solo) in the win...Became the first Boilermaker to register two interceptions in a game since Cory Trice on Oct. 12, 2019. Is just the 11th Purdue defender to record a multi-interception game since 2000...Led a secondary that limited the Hawkeyes to 195 yards passing on 32 attempts (6.1 yards per attempt) and just 271 yards of total offense. The Boilermakers defense held Iowa to just 1-for-5 in the red zone...Earns the first Defensive Player of the Week honor of his career...Last Purdue Defensive Player of the Week: Markus Bailey (Oct. 22, 2018). - Big Ten Football

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FS Cam Allen, Purdue
News Source: Big Ten Football
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10/16/21 - *David Bell, Jr/2022, Purdue + More +

Aidan O'Connell threw for 375 yards and accounted for three touchdowns, David Bell had a career-best 240 yards receiving and Purdue continued its recent mastery over No. 2 Iowa with a 24-7 victory Saturday. The Boilermakers (4-2, 2-1 Big Ten) have won four of their last five games against the Hawkeyes (6-1, 3-1). The loss ended Iowa's 12-game winning streak. Purdue beat its highest-ranked opponent on the road since 1974 at No. 2 Notre Dame. It was the second time in four seasons Purdue has knocked off a No. 2-ranked team. The Boilermakers won at home over a second-ranked Ohio State in 2018.

O'Connell was 30-of-40 passing with two touchdowns and ran for a score. He got the most work on a day when Purdue used backup quarterbacks Jack Plummer and Austin Burton in select situations. All three were in on different plays during the Boilermakers' first-quarter drive that ended with O'Connell's 6-yard touchdown run for a 7-0 lead. O'Connell threw a 3-yard touchdown pass to TJ Sheffield in the final minute of the first half to give Purdue a 14-7 halftime lead. He threw a 21-yard TD pass to Bell in the fourth quarter. Bell had 11 receptions. He has a combined 37 catches for 558 yards and five touchdowns against Iowa in three seasons. The Hawkeyes' only score was a 3-yard touchdown run by Ivory Kelly-Martin in the second quarter, and Iowa had just 271 yards of offense. Iowa scored its fewest points at home since a 13-7 loss to Nebraska in 2012. - Purdue/AP College Football

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WR *David Bell, Purdue
News Source: Purdue/AP College Football
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09/25/21 - Aidan OConnell, rSr/2023, Purdue + More +

Purdue needed backup quarterback Aidan O'Connell to deliver in a pinch Saturday. He may have saved their bowl hopes. After relieving Jack Plummer in the third quarter and throwing interceptions on his first two series, the fifth-year senior capped a 94-yard scoring march drive with a 14-yard scoring toss to T.J. Sheffield for the game's only touchdown and a 13-9 victory over Illinois. "We just felt like because we became one-dimensional, we think Aidan is our most accurate thrower and that's not a knock on Jack," Purdue coach Jeff Brohm said. "He stands in there. he's poised, he played to the end and he helped us find a way to win." It sure wasn't easy under the circumstances.

The Boilermakers (3-1, 1-0 Big Ten) started the day without their best receiver, their top two running backs and lost starting tight end Payne Durham in the first half after a jarring hit knocked his helmet loose. After leading Purdue to field goals on its first two series, Plummer couldn't muster another score, so Brohm changed quarterbacks and O'Connell made the game-turning play for the touchdown with 5:44 left in the game. Purdue's defense clinched the victory by forcing a turnover on downs in its own red zone. Illinois (1-4, 1-2) has lost four straight since a season-opening win over Nebraska. - Purdue/AP College Football

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QB Aidan OConnell, Purdue
News Source: Purdue/AP College Football
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09/01/21 - Hudson Card, rSr/2025, Purdue + More +

As was reported over the weekend, redshirt freshman Hudson Card was announced as the starter for Satuday's season opener. Junior Casey Thompson will play. And then the Horns will look at what both did in the game. Why Card? "Hudson's a very talented young man, he's got a great work ethic and he really tries to operate the way we want to operate in," Sarkisian said. "Just as I told Hudson and Casey, it's really not a knock on Casey. ... It was a tough call, but I think in general, you try to make the best decision for the program at that time. "Again, Casey's going to play in this game. We'll reevaluate after one game. Neither guy's ever started a game in their career, so we'll look at it after one week." Sarkisian isn't too dynamic up there on the podium. But that's OK. As long as what he's saying up there is honest and insightful, a truthful quote is better than a great headline.

Example: Sark, who has plenty of experience molding, coaching and calling plays for successful quarterbacks, explained the thinking behind his decision. "The quarterback position is the most important position in sports - I always say that and I believe that. But also, it's one position of 22 starters on our team on offense and defense," he said. "Everybody has a role in our organization, and ultimately on game day, you have a responsibility to do your job, and the quarterback is no different. And what we ask of him to do ultimately is going to be things that we believe are putting him in the best position to have success, whoever that guy is on the field, and then they've got a responsibility to do their job. And generally speaking, the one that does his job the most consistently gives us the best chance to have success. I think both guys understand that." - Austin American Statesman

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QB Hudson Card, Purdue
News Source: Austin American Statesman
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08/30/21 - Isaiah Nichols, rSr/2024, Purdue + More +

Much of the preseason discussion regarding Arkansas' revamped defensive line centered on its three big offseason additions. John Ridgeway, Markell Utsey and Tre Williams performed at a level in camp that pushed them into roles as key contributors. All three are listed as starters, according to the Razorbacks' depth chart for Week 1, though Ridgeway might not play. Redshirt junior Isaiah Nichols' name was rarely mentioned during the team's training camp. But his quiet consistency helped him remain heavily in the mix at tackle.

"With Nichols, he brings a lot of leadership," Arkansas coach Sam Pittman said Monday when asked about the former Springdale High standout's preseason. "He's an older guy, brings a lot of passion, a guy who's played. "(He) brings a lot of passion, wants to win. I think Taurean Carter's better because of Isaiah Nichols. I think Nichols and Carter are both better because of Ridgeway. But he brings a lot to us." If Ridgeway is unable to play, Nichols could potentially find himself in a starting role for the eighth time in his career and second consecutive season opener. He is listed this week as the backup to Ridgeway, an Illinois State transfer. - Northwest Arkansas Times

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DT Isaiah Nichols, Purdue
News Source: Northwest Arkansas Times
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08/29/21 - Hudson Card, rSr/2025, Purdue + More +

The decision appears to be in. Texas coach Steve Sarkisian will name Hudson Card as the starting quarterback for the season opener against No. 23 Louisiana on Sept. 4. Horns247 first reported the decision on Saturday. A UT spokesman could not confirm, and Sarkisian could not be reached. Sarkisian is rolling the dice, to be sure. It will be the redshirt freshman's first start and Card's first real game experience. Card would be replacing four-year starter Sam Ehlinger, who threw for 11,436 yards and 94 touchdowns. Ehlinger is now battling for the backup job with the Indianapolis Colts.

So what does this decision mean for junior Casey Thompson? It was thought the veteran who threw four touchdown passes in last season's Alamo Bowl would win the starting job. Thompson carried himself like the starter throughout the offseason, holding extra film sessions with receivers as they learned a new offense. Thompson has completed 20 of 29 passes for 309 yards and six touchdowns in seven career games with the Longhorns. Typically, if a veteran quarterback can't beat out a younger player, coaches lean toward the younger player. Sarkisian has stressed throughout August that both players have performed well, both going through various ups and downs. - Austin American Statesman

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QB Hudson Card, Purdue
News Source: Austin American Statesman
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08/22/21 - Chris Jefferson, rSr/2023, Purdue + More +

If Chris Jefferson didn't think he could play in the Big Ten, specifically at Purdue, he wouldn't have placed his name into the NCAA transfer portal during the summer. If Chris Jefferson didn't think he could make the jump from Findlay - an NCAA Division II program - to an FBS program he would've stayed in Ohio. If Purdue's coaches didn't like what they saw from Jefferson during a workout inside the Mollenkopf Athletic Center in June, Jeff Brohm never would've offered the All-American safety.

Jefferson is here now, a member of the program and is looking to play a big role in turning the defense around. One week into preseason practices tell Jefferson he made the right decision. "Oh yes. My confidence has grown a lot," Jefferson said. "When I came here it's like I deserved to be here, but I felt like I've got to prove it to these guys and especially to the team that I deserved to be here. "Now, I feel like I proved it to them so now my confidence is on the rise. They're telling me good job, so it's making me like, 'Man, I'm not just going to come on this level and be an average player.' I'm coming on this level and going to be a weapon for the team." The 5-foot-11, 185-pound Jefferson appeared in 26 career games at Findlay, collecting 12 interceptions and breaking up 10 passes. Jefferson was named to The Associated Press DII All-America first team and earned Defensive Player of the Year honors in the Great Midwest Athletic Conference in back-to-back seasons. - Journal and Courier

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SS Chris Jefferson, Purdue
News Source: Journal and Courier
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08/18/21 - DaMarcus Mitchell, Sr/2022, Purdue + More +

Purdue will have one of its better defensive players available for the 2021 season after spending the last few weeks in limbo academically. The Journal & Courier has learned defensive end DaMarcus Mitchell will be eligible to play this season and is expected to be a starter opposite George Karlaftis in the Sept. 4 season opener against Oregon State at Ross-Ade Stadium. Mitchell plays the LEO position, a hybrid defensive end/linebacker, with an emphasis on putting pressure on the quarterback and making plays in the backfield.

The junior college transfer arrived at Purdue prior to last season and finished third in tackles (34) and recorded a team-high six tackles for loss, including one sack, while mainly playing linebacker. He filled in for Karlaftis, who suffered an injury and later tested positive for COVID-19. But now with both Karlaftis and Mitchell on the field at the same time along with first-year assistant Mark Hagen in charge, the Boilermakers have a chance to make strides on the defensive line. - Journal and Courier

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DE DaMarcus Mitchell, Purdue
News Source: Journal and Courier
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08/18/21 - Sampson James, rJr/2024, Purdue + More +

IU running back Sampson James has entered the transfer portal, IndyStar confirmed. The former Avon High School standout ran for 371 yards and 3 touchdowns over the last two seasons and was competing for playing time with Stephen Carr and Tim Baldwin. James was listed as the No. 2 running back on the Hoosiers' preseason depth chart. James was a four-star prospect coming out of Avon and committed to Ohio State but coach Tom Allen flipped him to IU in a recruiting coup. James also entered the transfer portal his freshman season but returned to the Hoosiers. James rushed for just 96 yards on 32 carries last season after a promising freshman season. - Indianapolis Star/News

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RB Sampson James, Purdue
News Source: Indianapolis Star/News
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08/15/21 - Semisi Fakasiieiki, rSr/2023, Purdue + More +

Purdue projected starting middle linebacker Semisi Fakasiieiki suffered a right leg injury in Monday's practice and was immediately carted off the field. Once the team's athletic trainers reached Fakasiieiki on the field, they called for the cart. The Boilermakers, who wore shoulder pads for the first time, were running a short-yardage drill when the injury occurred. "They're going to take him over to the hospital and see exactly what's wrong with him," said co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Brad Lambert, who was scheduled to meet with the media before Fakasiieiki's injury.

"It's always tough, right? I tell the guys all the time - tomorrow is not guaranteed. He didn't show up today thinking this might be his last practice. I don't know if it is, (but) that's the mentality you've got to have. You have to play fast and take advantage of every opportunity to get better." Through the first three days of preseason camp, Fakasiieiki - who returned to the program to use his COVID-19 season - was making plays and standing out during drills while showcasing his leadership skills. - Journal and Courier

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