Looking ahead: Purdue special teams
MORE LOOKING AHEADS: Tight ends | Quarterbacks | Running backs | Offensive line | Receivers | Linebackers | Defensive tackles | Defensive ends | Safeties | Cornerbacks
Lots to sort out here between now and the start of the 2019 season with Purdue looking to replace its kicker and punter. The good news: Rondale Moore is back as a return man and only figures to get better in that role.
WHAT WE KNOW
Purdue loses a good punter in Joe Schopper, who held the job each of the last four seasons. He punted 62 times in 2018, averaging 42.6 yards per boot, earning third-team All-Big Ten honors from the coaches and honorable mention from the media. Schopper also was impactful on trick plays, hitting both of the passes he threw in his career for 44 yards. The Pharmacy major also ran two times for 17 yards.
The Boilermakers also bid adieu to Spencer Evans, a strong-legged kicker who held the job last season and shared it in 2017 after transferring from Baylor. He was honorable mention All-Big Ten by the media and coaches in 2018. The tattooed Evans hit 18-of-23 field-goal attempts in 2018, including a last-second game-winning 25-yarder vs. Iowa. But for a guy with such a big leg, he never hit a 50-yard field goal. His long last season was 41 yards. Evans connected on 26-of-34 career field goals, going 0-for 3 from 50-yards and beyond and 4-of-8 from 40-48 yards. He excelled most on kickoffs, averaging 61.8 yards with 40 touchbacks last season.
Junior J.D. Dellinger is the heir to Evans after redshirting last season. Dellinger held the job in 2016 and shared it with Evans in 2017. Dellinger hit 1-of-2 field-goal attempts last season when Evans was out sick but still preserved his redshirt. The 6-2, 195-pound Dellinger connected on 19-of-27 field-goal attempts his first two seasons. He nailed a game-winning 28-yard field goal in OT at Illinois in 2016. His career long? It’s 42 yards. Purdue hasn't had a 50-yard field goal since Paul Griggs nailed three in 2014.
Moore electrified the nation as wideout as a true freshman last season. He also ran back kickoffs and punts, bringing juice to a return game that for too long lacked a game-breaker. Moore averaged 20.1 yards on 33 kickoff returns with a long of 48. He also averaged 6.8 yards on 12 punt returns with a long of 24. It seems to be a matter of when--not if--Moore will take a return to the house. The last time Purdue ran back a punt for a TD? It was Aaron Valentin in 2009. The last kickoff return for a score was by Akeem Hunt in 2013.
Perhaps one of Purdue's speedy freshmen could help in the return game, too. Stay tuned. As the talent level of this roster continues to improve, the options in the return game will continue to be enhanced.
WHAT WE DON’T KNOW
Purdue signed Brooks Cormier from of all places Tuscaloosa, Ala. The plan is for the 6-5, 220-pounder to punt this fall. He also could have a future at kicker and purportedly is a standout athlete who will be asset when it comes to running trick plays. But it’s always a bit scary when you have a true freshman in any role. Is Cormier ready? He will arrive this summer.
NAMES TO KNOW
1. K J.D. Dellinger, junior
2. PR/KR Rondale Moore, sophomore
Membership Info: Sign up for GoldandBlack.com now | Why join? | Questions?
Follow GoldandBlack.com: Twitter | Facebook
More: Gold and Black Illustrated/Gold and Black Express | Subscribe to our podcast
Copyright, Boilers, Inc. 2019. All Rights Reserved. Reproducing or using editorial or graphical content, in whole or in part, without permission, is strictly prohibited.