Healthy, happy and a father, Fuller is ready to carry the load

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Forget football. Tario Fuller wants to talk about his baby daughter.

"That is something that has inspired me and keeps me going, just pushing me every day," said Fuller.

That's when Fuller breaks out into his trademark smile. The fifth-year senior running back has in infectious personality. You can't help not to like the guy. Ask anyone who has met Fuller. That's why so many people hope Fuller can cap his Purdue career with a big season in 2019. Good things should happen to good people. And, make no mistake about it: Fuller is good people.

"He is very charismatic," said running backs coach Chris Barclay. "He really loves football. He is like a kid in the candy shop each time he takes the field. He realizes this is his last go-around and he is just trying to take advantage of every opportunity."

There is plenty of opportunity to seize with running backs D.J. Knox and Markell Jones both gone. That tandem combined for 1,420 yards rushing last season on 265 carries with 13 TDs. And they combined for 4,453 yards rushing and 164 receptions in their careers. That’s a lot of production to replace.

"The first day was really weird when we came out here and there was no D.J. or Markell," said Fuller. "D.J. was a funny guy. We miss that, even in the meeting room.

"It sucks not having (Knox and Jones) out there as far as a brotherhood. When I got here, they were here. I came all the way up with them, matured with them. And now they are gone."

Fuller is joined by sophomore Zander Horvath and redshirt freshman Alfred Armour in the competition. Redshirt freshman Evan Anderson has been absent of late, tending to a death in the family. He's expected back on Friday. Given the inexperience behind him, Fuller needs to show the way in what has been a long journey at Purdue filled with twists and turns.

We first were introduced to Fuller back in 2015, when he received national media attention for his generosity in buying a doll for an anonymous girl. The 6-0, 200-pound Sugar Hill, Ga., native began carving a niche on the field soon thereafter.

Back in 2017 as a redshirt sophomore, Fuller started the first three games before an ankle injury ended his season. He opened the season with 29 yards rushing vs. Louisville, and then burned Ohio U for 142 yards rushing. Fuller followed by running for 90 in a romp at Missouri. But that was it, thanks to an ankle injury. Fuller's season was finished after 43 carries for 261 yards rushing and two touchdowns. Seems like ancient history.

"Yes, it does," said Fuller.

And soon thereafter, that's when the surgeries began.

"I had three in about 18 months," said Fuller, motioning to three different parts of his lower body.

It took a while for him to feel right last season. And it showed. Fuller played in just five games, running 14 times for 34 yards with five catches as he watched Knox and Jones take ownership of the running back spot during a 6-7 season in 2018. Now, Fuller could end up being the No. 1 back ... again.

"I haven’t been out here in so long," said Fuller. "Everything is an improvement because the last time I was out here, I was hurt. I couldn’t really run or do anything. I think I have improved in all areas since I last touched the field."

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One area Barclay thinks Fuller can improve upon is catching the ball.

"I really like both Zander and Tario," said Barclay. "Tario needs to improve his pass catching. Zander is a little bit more reliable in the receiving game. So that would probably give him a little bit more value. But I think Zander has to come around in pass protection. Tario is a little bit more consistent than him in pass protection. It’s a neck-and-neck race."

And in June, two hot-shot freshmen will arrive looking to impress: King Doerue and Da'Joun Hewitt. Fuller will be ready.

"I have to make sure I take care of my body and put the right things in, make sure I am hydrating, stretching to prevent injuries and playing smarter with the ball in my hands," said Fuller, who has rushed 67 times for 325 yards and two scores in his career to go along with 15 receptions for 133 yards. "Having more awareness with I run the ball so I don’t take hits like I used to."

Fuller is smarter now. And more mature.

"I feel like anyone who goes through three surgeries knows it’s gonna be a process and that sooner or later I will start to feel like myself again," said Fuller, a two-star recruit by rivals coming out of Lanier High. "Now I can look back and say I am glad I didn’t get discouraged and give up."

And if Fuller ever does get discouraged? Well, he can just look down at his baby girl.

"She is sleeping through the night," he said. "She sleeps from like 10:30 pm to 9 am. Swaddling her is amazing.

"I just have more of an appreciation for life now. That little girl is so sweet."

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