Quick Count: Practice No. 9
Richie Worship can see the growth in Tario Fuller in only a year.
Fuller could be a little “spaced out” during position meetings during the ’16 training camp — Worship lumped himself into the same category — and not understanding of the lessons being taught. And perhaps not really interested in figuring them out, either.
But that’s changed now, a reason why Fuller is Purdue’s top back a week-and-a-half into camp, per running backs coach Chris Barclay.
“Now in the meeting room, he’s one of the first guys, when coach asks a question, he knows it,” Worship said. “He definitely knows the playbook and knows what’s going on. I believe he’s more mature, for sure. Everybody knew he was very energetic, got distracted fast, but he’s definitely maturing. You can see how locked in he is when it’s time to get serious.”
Nine practices into training camp, Fuller is winning out in a crowded backfield that includes former starters Markell Jones and D.J. Knox. Fuller, a sophomore, might be the best combination of attributes, in that the 6-foot, 190-pounder has speed and agility, but can also pass protect and knows his assignments.
And when he hasn’t known something, Fuller has been quick to learn, a 180-degree change from a year ago. Barclay says that Fuller quickly picks up nuances of the position, frequently correcting a mistake immediately on a repetition, often by applying instructions he’s heard given to other players.
And Fuller has been consistent, Barclay says, both in his performance and his ability to stay healthy. While Jones and Knox have missed time — they weren’t available for the scrimmage Saturday — Fuller has largely kept his repetitions, even if he is nursing along a minor injury.
“I think he’s got great vision,” Barclay said. “He’s got great instincts. He’s a sharp kid. I know I’d heard some things (about him) before, but he’s a really sharp kid. When I say something, it really gets implemented right away. He cares. He’s got a huge care factor, and he’s strong. He’s stronger than you think.”
Although he’s still a free spirit — Fuller was dancing from interview to interview following his time with reporters on Monday — he’s driven to turn himself into a reliable, every-down running back. That means working on his blocking and pass catching, the latter a sticking point. Barclay joked that Fuller has hands “like two left feet,” particularly in practice. It’s been a problem for Fuller since he arrived at Purdue, with him having an unfortunate penchant for dropping passes, particularly the easy ones.
But he’s been better on game days. Last season, Fuller had five receptions for 51 yards, along with 30 yard rushing. And during Saturday’s scrimmage, he says he caught a long pass from Elijah Sindelar — he estimated 30 to 40 yards — after he shifted out of the backfield to be the primary option.
“When you’re in a game, you’re not thinking as much,” Fuller said. “I don’t like balls that come from 50 yards, because then I have to think about it the whole time. But in a game, you’re not thinking, you just react.
“When I first got here, I had two left feet, but I’ve worked all summer, like all summer, on my hands. It’s something I’ve actually improved on. When it’s game time, I’ll catch them.”
It’s all a matter of focus, Fuller says. When he’s dialed in to the details, he feels like he can be effective, and that mindset has been constant during camp.
“I think maturity was the problem (before),” he said. “Understanding the game. It was moving a little too fast for me at the beginning. Last year, I was kind of in the same position (in getting a chance to play), but it was moving too fast. I couldn’t slow it down. But now it’s more natural. I don’t feel like I go out there and think a ton.”
Now, Fuller will have to hold off other teammates if he wants to still have the job for Game 1. But he’s impressed so far.
“He does a great job of accelerating through the hole,” Knox said. “He’s a fast guy. He’s very energetic when it comes to learning the offense. Being the first guy in, last guy out type of mentality. I like that about him. He’s got more confidence. So now his ability shows up more. I feel like that’s what’s changed about him.”
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