Hazell hopes newcomer can transform Purdue return game

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Recently, Darrell Hazell had a friend, a former NFL coach, in his office while he was watching film. On the screen: JUCO athlete Malik Kimbrough.

Hazell and his staff had been looking for a dynamic returner, had viewed about five or six players on tape, and they stopped when they saw Kimbrough.

“When you watch his film, you say, ‘Oh my goodness,’ ” Hazell said.

Or what Hazell’s NFL friend said: “He does things with guys on the field that most guys can’t do with(out) guys on the field.”

So when Kimbrough chose Purdue — he attended media day on Sunday — Hazell was excited. Because he thinks it can change Purdue’s return game. And the Boilermakers certainly need players to rise there with Frankie Williams and Danny Anthrop gone and Markell Jones needing to stay focused on being the top running back.

At Southwestern Community College, the 6-foot, 180ish-pound Kimbrough played receiver but Hazell said he also has experience at running back. At Purdue, Kimbrough will be with the running backs, but his value is in his return ability more than anything.

“He’s got great vision, quickness and enough top-end speed to go the long way,” Hazell said. “Hopefully, he can help us right away in the return game. That’s the main goal.

… You can change a game with that guy if he touches it three or four times a game and makes one of them a pretty good return.”

Kimbrough, who went to San Jacinto in California, still needs pass medical tests, but as soon as he’s cleared, he’ll practice, Hazell said.

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