MORE SPRING PREVIEWS: Quarterbacks | Running backs
With 2021 in the rear view mirror, Purdue has its eyes cast toward next fall. And the work begins in spring football for a program coming off a 9-4 record.
Jeff Brohm enters Year Six in West Lafayette. And it's a year few Boilermaker coaches have reached in the last 60-plus years. Only Jack Mollenkopf, Jim Colletto and Joe Tiller have coached into a sixth season since Mollenkopf took over the program in 1956.
The program continues to evolve in a positive manner under Brohm, who has gone 28-29 overall and 20-22 in the Big Ten. The nine-win 2021 season was Purdue's first since 2003, as Brohm has produced bowl trips in three of his five years.
This is a series of positional analyses in anticipation of spring drills.
Next up: Offensive line.
What we know
The front has bid adieu to starting right guard Tyler Witt and No. 1 left tackle Greg Long. Witt was consensus honorable mention All-Big Ten after transferring from Western Kentucky. Long was feted as honorable mention All-Big Ten by the coaches, leaving after two productive seasons following his transfer from UTEP.
But Purdue can build around three returning starters: center Gus Hartwig; left guard Spencer Holstege; right tackle Eric Miller.
The front has a solid interior tandem in the H&H boys: Hartwig and Holstege. In 2020, Hartwig became the first true freshman to start on Purdue’s offensive line since 2008. He has made 16 career starts was honorable mention All-Big Ten by the media last season. Holstege, who has drank only milk and water his entire life, has 18 career starts.
The 6-7 Miller is the monolith of the unit. He became a starting fixture in his fourth season on campus last season. Miller owns 15 career starts. He could flip to the left side this season with Long gone. Know this: Miller will miss the spring coming off shoulder surgery.
The unit also will have a new voice, with Ryan Wallace moving back to an on-field coaching role as tight ends/assistant offensive line coach. Wallace will fill the role of Neil Callaway, who retired but still will serve as a consultant.
This is also known: Purdue would like to add a tackle via the portal. The staff will always take a player if it feels he is starting caliber. Adding a running back via the portal is the No. 1 priority. But landing a tackle is a close second.
What we don't know
The search is on to fill the openings on the starting line.
As mentioned above, Miller could move from right to left tackle with Cam Craig slipping into Miller's right tackle slot. Craig has starting experience and is equipped to play either tackle spot and has played guard, too. Staying healthy has been an issue for Craig, who started a game at right tackle last season. He has a back issue that is a persistent concern.
Newcomer Sione Finau is the likely heir to Witt's right guard spot. Finau is a transfer (Florida International) who is enrolled. The 6-3, 300-pound Finau is a classic mauler who looks like a perfect fit for the interior, but he is a bit stiff and maybe not on par with Witt. He made 15 career starts at FIU and started the first nine games of 2021 for FIU at left guard.
Depth has been a nagging issue. And, it remains an unproven commodity. Several linemen have departed in recent years due to injury or other reasons, causing Purdue to have to re-set the depth chart with youngsters.
The first man off the bench in 2022 probably would be guard/center Josh Kaltenberger. Coaches also trust guard Jared Bycznski. D.J. Washington moved from guard to defensive tackle last year and turned some heads. He will stay on defense.
This shapes up as a big spring for tackle Mahamane Moussa and guard Marcus Mbow. Each played in four games (35 snaps) as true freshmen in 2021. It wouldn't be a shock if either pushed for a significant role in 2022.
Will anyone else make a move this spring? T Nalin Fox? G Zach Richards? T Jaelin Alstott-VanDeVanter?
Names to know
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