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In April, espn.com reported that 22 of the 130 FBS-level schools planned to provide academic bonus payments by the end of this academic year. Add Purdue, with returning starting quarterback Aiden O'Connell, to the growing list of athletic departments that will begin paying student-athletes for academic achievement. "We are working on a plan for that this fall," athletic director Mike Bobinski said Tuesday night during the Boilermakers on the Road event at Victory Field. If student-athletes reach certain academic benchmarks, the payments are capped at $5,980 per school year. What those benchmarks are at Purdue are still being finalized.

Last summer, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in the Alston v. NCAA case that the organization's limits to athlete compensation for education-related costs are in violation of the Sherman Antitrust Act. The ruling permits institutions to provide direct financial support to student-athletes while also allowing the NCAA to cap cash awards at $5,980. Schools have the option to provide benefits or bonuses but are not required to do it. In November, Mississippi and Texas were the first schools to begin distributing checks to athletes. According to si.com, Mississippi will spend $2.48 million on more than 400 athletes. Oklahoma State will provide the financial benefit to all of its scholarship athletes who qualify this fall. OSU will use money from its fundraising group called POSSE. - Journal and Courier

(DS#7 QB) rSr/2023

QB Aidan OConnell, Purdue
News Source: Journal and Courier
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05/18/22 - Aidan OConnell, rSr/2023, Purdue, 6-3, 210 (DS#7 QB) + More +

Aidan O'Connell's summer is jammed packed. He'll attend the Tee Off for Tyler (Trent) Charity Golf Classic on June 6 at Carmel's Bridgewater Club. He's scheduled to be a camp counselor at the Manning Passing Academy in Louisiana in late June. He's getting married on July 30, six days before Purdue begins preseason practices for the 2022 season. The second-team All-Big Ten quarterback will also continue summer workouts with his teammates. And there will be time for golf. O'Connell is normally humble when discussing his athletic achievements on the football field but put a golf club in his hand and the self-confidence comes to the surface.

He's a self-made golfer, watching YouTube videos to learn the game. He shoots in the low 80s. "I'm pretty good," he said. "I'm one of the better guys on the team. I love to play. I've played my whole life but really started to play when I got to college." O'Connell, who is hosting his own passing camp on June 11 at Harrison, will find time to play golf at Purdue, Battle Ground Golf Club and Ravines Golf Course, or anywhere else throughout the summer. His golf game doesn't get in the way of his offseason work to lead the Boilermakers into the 2022 season. The invitation to the Manning Passing Academy, which former Purdue quarterback David Blough attended in 2017 and 2018, came as a bit of surprise, even though it shouldn't have been based on what O'Connell accomplished last season. O'Connell wasn't part of the FBS recruiting process in high school, opting to attend Purdue as a walk-on. - Journal and Courier

(DS#7 QB) rSr/2023

QB Aidan OConnell, Purdue
News Source: Journal and Courier
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05/17/22 - Milton Wright, rSr/2024, Purdue, 6-2, 195 (DS#999 WR) + More +

Purdue's top returning receiver from last season won't be a member of this year's team. Milton Wright, who caught 57 passes for 732 yards and seven touchdowns, has been ruled academically ineligible and is no longer with the program. The news comes during the school's graduation weekend and the end of second-semester classes.

After failing to meet eligibility requirements following first-semester classes, Wright wasn't permitted to play in last year's bowl game against Tennessee. The Louisville native also didn't participate in spring practice to focus on academics. - Journal and Courier

(DS#999 WR) rSr/2024

WR Milton Wright, Purdue
News Source: Journal and Courier
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05/12/22 - Aidan OConnell, rSr/2023, Purdue, 6-3, 210 (DS#7 QB) + More +

Thanks to Name, Image and Likeness, Purdue quarterback Aidan O'Connell can parlay two of his passions into one venture. The Illinois native, who returns to the Boilermakers for his sixth year, will hold the Aidan O'Connell Passing Camp on Saturday, June 11 at Harrison. "I just wanted to have a camp and give back to the community," O'Connell said. "I love kids, I love working with kids. I have a lot of fun doing that." O'Connell, who threw for 3,712 yards and 28 touchdowns while earning All-Big Ten second-team honors last season, plans to donate his proceeds to a charity foundation. "I wanted to do some NIL stuff to give back to the community because they are so supportive," he said. - Journal and Courier

(DS#7 QB) rSr/2023

QB Aidan OConnell, Purdue
News Source: Journal and Courier
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05/04/22 - *David Bell, Jr/2022, Purdue, 6-1, 209 (DS#14 WR) + More +

Instead of looking at David Bell's feet, Andrew Berry focused on the hands of the Purdue star receiver. "He has some of the best hands in this draft class," said Berry, the Cleveland Browns' general manager after the organization selected Bell in the third round of the NFL Draft on Friday. Bell's time in the 40-yard dash - at the NFL Scouting Combine and at Purdue's Pro Day - probably scared off teams and he slide down draft boards. But not Berry's. Bell may not have first-round speed, but he has first-round talent, including the ability to make catches all over the field. Berry said Bell is a "highly productive player, has the skill set that's playable in the NFL and we're happy to have him. Good receivers come in different shapes and sizes. Although David may not be the fastest player in the NFL, I think he has a number of compensating factors that allow him to produce." - Journal Courier

(DS#14 WR) Jr/2022

WR *David Bell, Purdue
News Source: Journal Courier
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04/21/22 - Hudson Card, rSr/2025, Purdue, 6-2, 200 (DS#31 QB) + More +

Texas quarterback Hudson Card hopes he's the Longhorns' once and future starter. He beat out Casey Thompson last August but ceded the job in September. Now he's battling Ohio State transfer Quinn Ewers for the starting spot. You can count Hudson Card among those who have liked what they've seen from Quinn Ewers. It should be noted that Card isn't a fan or member of the media. He is a third-year quarterback who isn't about to sell himself short. Both Card and Ewers, a touted transfer from Ohio State, are competing to be the Longhorns' starter. "He can make all the throws, and I believe I can too," Card told reporters last week.

This is the second straight offseason in which Card has competed to be Texas' starting quarterback. As a redshirt freshman, he beat out Casey Thompson last August and started the season opener. But he was unable to hold onto the job. Thompson struggled at times as well. In the end, Thompson started 10 games. Card was a two-time starter who also received significant playing time at Iowa State and West Virginia. The Longhorns went 5-7. Toward the end of the season, head coach Steve Sarkisian said, "We have to open that (starting quarterback) job up...We're going to tear this thing all the way down, and we're going to start back at square one come winter conditioning and then into spring ball." - Austin American Statesman

(DS#31 QB) rSr/2025

QB Hudson Card, Purdue
News Source: Austin American Statesman
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03/04/22 - Chris Jefferson, rSr/2023, Purdue, 5-10, 206 (DS#76 SS) + More +

His first season at the FBS level brought plenty of lessons about life and football. "The biggest thing is resiliency and persistence," Jefferson said. "Coach English actually gave us a list of 15 things or 10 things about a great football player or a great person. Those two things were on there and that was the story for last year. Just coming along and slowly building, slowly bettering my role with the team." Jefferson didn't know what his role would be last season but has learned from that experience and is prepared to develop into a better leader on and off the field. "I don't like to lead until I'm comfortable in my abilities, but I'm always learning," Jefferson said. "For guys to look at me, I need to have my best game. Everyone can lead. I want to be a better leader." Jefferson finished with 36 tackles and one interception, numbers he believes will improve heading into his final season. But it goes beyond the statistics for Jefferson right now. "My mindset is the best I've been," Jefferson said. "Expectations are high - they're always high for me and that's pretty much nothing new. My confidence, and the way I think about things, is at an all-time high right now." - Journal and Courier

(DS#76 SS) rSr/2023

SS Chris Jefferson, Purdue
News Source: Journal and Courier
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01/01/22 - Aidan OConnell, rSr/2023, Purdue, 6-3, 210 (DS#7 QB) + More +

2021 ALL-BIG TEN SECOND TEAM (COACHES): QB Aidan O'Connell, Purdue,...O'Connell earned second team all-conference honors, the first Purdue quarterback to be named to one of the first two All-Big Ten teams since Kyle Orton in 2004. The fifth-year senior is one of the most accurate quarterbacks in the country, completing 73.5 percent of his passes to lead the Big Ten and rank third nationally. That completion percentage is currently tied for the best in Big Ten history (Dan Persa, Northwestern - 2010) and seven percent higher than the school record (David Blough - 2018). Despite splitting time at points of the season, O'Connell has thrown for 3,177 yards (17th nationally) and 23 touchdowns (25th nationally). The gunslinger has produced five 300-yard games, the first Purdue quarterback to accomplish the feat since Blough in 2016. - Purdue Football

(DS#7 QB) rSr/2023

QB Aidan OConnell, Purdue
News Source: Purdue Football
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01/01/22 - Greg Long, rSr/2022, Purdue, 6-4, 304 (DS#39 OG) + More +

2021 ALL-BIG TEN HONORABLE MENTION (COACHES): Greg Long,...The trio of Hartwig (center), Long (left tackle) and Witt (right guard) has been a staple on the Purdue offensive line all season long. Hartwig and Witt have started all 12 games for the Boilermakers, while Long has made 11 starts protecting the quarterback's blindside. With the help of their blocking, Purdue has set a new school record for completions in a single season (381), snapping the 23-year old record of 377 with one game still to play. The three Boilermakers also protect the second-best passing offense in the Big Ten, as Purdue averages 340.4 yards per game through the air. - Purdue Football

(DS#39 OG) rSr/2022

OG Greg Long, Purdue
News Source: Purdue Football
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01/01/22 - Payne Durham, rSr/2023, Purdue, 6-6, 255 (DS#14 TE) + More +

2021 ALL-BIG TEN HONORABLE MENTION (COACHES): Payne Durham,...Also an honoree for sportsmanship around the conference, Durham was tabbed honorable mention. The Purdue tight end has caught 40 passes for 382 yards and four touchdowns, ranking fourth on the team in all three categories. In the season opener against Oregon State (Sept. 4), Durham produced his first career 100-yard game with seven catches for a career-high 120 yards and two touchdowns. He added another 100-yard performance versus Wisconsin (Oct. 23), hauling in a personal-best nine receptions for 112 yards and a score. - Purdue Football

(DS#14 TE) rSr/2023

TE Payne Durham, Purdue
News Source: Purdue Football
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01/01/22 - Dedrick Mackey, rSr/2022, Purdue, 5-10, 183 (DS#150 CB) + More +

2021 ALL-BIG TEN HONORABLE MENTION (COACHES): Dedrick Mackey,...Rounding out Purdue's honorable mentions, Mackey ranks seventh in the Big Ten with three interceptions on the season. He has recorded 37 tackles in the secondary to go along with a pair of TFLs and a forced fumble. - Purdue Football

(DS#150 CB) rSr/2022

CB Dedrick Mackey, Purdue
News Source: Purdue Football
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01/01/22 - George Karlaftis, Jr/2022, Purdue, 6-4, 263 (DS#5 DE) + More +

2021 ALL-BIG TEN FIRST TEAM (COACHES): DL George Karlaftis, Purdue,...Karlaftis has been one of the best defensive players in the Big Ten all season long, exemplified as a semifinalist for the Chuck Bednarik Award that is given to the college football defensive player of the year. He leads the Boilermakers in tackles for loss (11.5), sacks (5.0), forced fumbles (3), fumble recoveries (2) and quarterback hurries (8). Karlaftis' tackles for loss rank seventh in the Big Ten, recording at least 1.0 TFL in eight of nine conference games. The junior is one of only four Big Ten defenders to force at least three fumbles throughout the 2021 campaign. - Purdue Football

(DS#5 DE) Jr/2022

DE George Karlaftis, Purdue
News Source: Purdue Football
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01/01/22 - Cam Allen, rSr/2024, Purdue, 6-1, 200 (DS#16 FS) + More +

2021 ALL-BIG TEN HONORABLE MENTION (COACHES): Cam Allen,...Not far behind Jaylan Alexander in the tackles category is Allen, who ranks third on the team with 56. His four interceptions put Allen third in the conference and 11th nationally. He picked off a pass in the season opener vs. Oregon State (Sept. 4) before hauling in two interceptions in the big victory at Iowa. Allen also added a pick at Nebraska (Oct. 30), another Big Ten road victory for the Boilermakers. - Purdue Football

(DS#16 FS) rSr/2024

FS Cam Allen, Purdue
News Source: Purdue Football
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01/01/22 - Tyler Witt, rSr/2022, Purdue, 6-2, 304 (DS#74 OG) + More +

2021 ALL-BIG TEN HONORABLE MENTION (COACHES): Tyler Witt,...The trio of Hartwig (center), Long (left tackle) and Witt (right guard) has been a staple on the Purdue offensive line all season long. Hartwig and Witt have started all 12 games for the Boilermakers, while Long has made 11 starts protecting the quarterback's blindside. With the help of their blocking, Purdue has set a new school record for completions in a single season (381), snapping the 23-year old record of 377 with one game still to play. The three Boilermakers also protect the second-best passing offense in the Big Ten, as Purdue averages 340.4 yards per game through the air. - Purdue Football

(DS#74 OG) rSr/2022

OG Tyler Witt, Purdue
News Source: Purdue Football
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01/01/22 - *David Bell, Jr/2022, Purdue, 6-1, 209 (DS#14 WR) + More +

2021 ALL-BIG TEN FIRST TEAM (COACHES): WR David Bell, Purdue,...One of three finalists for the Biletnikoff Award, Bell has been one of the best receivers nationwide. The Indianapolis native leads the Big Ten in catches per game (8.5) and receiving yards per game (116.9), ranking second and fourth in the country, respectively. With 1,286 receiving yards on the year, Bell is just 21 yards shy of the school record for a single season.

Eclipsing the 100-yard plateau in seven of his 11 games this season, Bell has set a new Purdue record with 17 career 100-yard receiving games. He also ranks in the school's all-time Top 10 for receptions (4th), receiving yards (5th) and receiving touchdowns (T-5th). Bell is averaging an FBS-leading 101.6 receiving yards per game for his career, the only active receiver in triple digits. His 8.0 receptions per game is currently the 2nd-most for an active NCAA career. - Purdue Football

(DS#14 WR) Jr/2022

WR *David Bell, Purdue
News Source: Purdue Football
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