GoldandBlack.com pre-spring projected depth chart: Defense
Jeff Brohm is beginning to take the wraps off his fifth team. And many questions loom for a program that's looking for its first winning season since 2017.
The first step in 2021: spring football, which reportedly is set to start on February 19. All eyes will be on the defense, which will be operated by new coordinator Brad Lambert. He's Purdue's third DC in three seasons. What will be the base scheme? The Boilermakers also have a new line coach (Mark Hagen) and a new cornerbacks coach (Ron English).
This is GoldandBlack.com's best guess at the Boilermakers' two-deep defensive depth chart.
| First team | Second team |
|---|---|
|
E George Karlaftis, Jr. |
Sulaiman Kpaka, So. |
|
T Anthony Watts, Gr. |
Jeff Marks, Jr. |
|
T Lawrence Johnson, Jr. |
Jack Sullivan, Jr. |
|
E Branson Deen, Jr. |
Joseph Anderson, So. |
|
LB DaMarcus Mitchell, Sr. |
OC Brothers, So. |
|
LB Jaylan Alexander, Sr. |
Semisi Fakasiieiki, Gr. |
|
LB Jalen Graham, Jr. |
Yanni Karlaftis, Fr. |
|
CB Cory Trice, Jr. |
Geovonte Howard, Sr. |
|
CB Dedrick Mackey, Sr. |
DJ Johnson, Jr. |
|
S Marvin Grant, So. |
Sanoussi Kane, RFr. |
|
S Cam Allen, Jr. |
Kadin Smith, Jr. |
NOTES
• LINE: There is potential for a solid unit, especially now that Mark Hagen is coaching the front. Lorenzo Neal will be missed, but the Boilermakers have the makings of a solid rotation at tackle. The return of Anthony Watts for an extra year of eligibility is big. He should team with rising talent Lawrence Johnson. Jack Sullivan is a better fit inside than on the edge. .... Speaking of the edge, George Karlaftis should be primed for a return to form after an ankle injury and COVID ruined his 2020. Branson Deen can be a handful off the edge. And what type of impact will South Carolina transfer Joseph Anderson have?
• LINEBACKERS: Not long ago, this area was a concern. But the options are many now. DaMarcus Mitchell plays with a deep well of passion and fire. ... Jaylan Alexander is a grinder who has evolved into a steady contributor. ... Jalen Graham showed flashes in 2020 after moving from safety. He is ideal to play in space. ... Yanni Karlaftis is one of Purdue's most touted signees in years. He graduated nearby West Lafayette High School early and will take part in spring ball. No doubt, Karlaftis has eyes on starting. ... OC Brothers is on campus after a transfer from Auburn. He will inject needed speed and athletic ability into the unit. ... Rangy Khali Saunders could emerge after dipping his toe in action.
• SECONDARY: Cornerback is a position of concern. Cory Trice is a keeper. Is he a future pro? And Dedrick Mackey has plenty of experience. After that? Upgrades are needed. ... Geovonte Howard didn't impress after arriving from a JC. He entered the portal but quickly tweeted that he jumped back out. Is everything kosher? Stay tuned. ... DJ Johnson arrived from Iowa prior to 2020, but he was often ineffective before opting out late in the season. What's his status? ... Anthony Rompf will get a look. He was a prep quarterback. ... The safety spot is more promising. Cam Allen is the epitome of a football player. Same goes for Marvin Grant. This is a boffo tandem that arrives at the football with an attitude. ... There is a buzz around Sanoussi Kane. Watch him. ... Antonio Stevens teems with promise, but he's coming off a serious knee injury. When will he be ready?
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