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CHICAGO — With a bevy of starting spots up for the taking in training camp, Purdue’s workouts were especially important this summer for newcomers.

The two months’ worth of work, not just toward improving bodies in terms of conditioning and strength but also in learning the offensive and defensive systems, were pivotal to getting a jump for Aug. 3, the first time they'll get to showcase what they know on the field in front of coaches.

And at least a handful of players seized the summer, said Coach Jeff Brohm and Purdue players who attended the Big Ten media days at Hyatt Regency McCormick Place.