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