A look at defensive coaching staff candidates connected to Jeff Brohm and Brad Lambert, DaMarcus Mitchell’s position, Purdue’s new recruiting coordinator and more in The 3-2-1.
THREE THINGS LEARNED
1. Purdue will have some nice options to fill Anthony Poindexter’s spot as co-DC/safeties coach.
I shared this information on the board earlier this week. Now, here's a look at candidate connections to Jeff Brohm and co-DC Brad Lambert. And know this: The new hirer won’t necessarily be given the “co-DC” title; it will depend on a number of factors. Purdue just wants the right “fit” for what will be the fourth new defensive assistant for the 2021 staff.
BROHM TIES
Ricky Brumfield, Virginia special teams coordinator/cornerbacks coach
Sam Madison, Kansas City City Chiefs defensive backs coach/cornerbacks
Anthony Blevins, New York Giants assistant defensive backs coach
Derrick Jackson associate head coach/defensive coordinator/safeties
Brandon Sharp, FAMU co-defensive coordinator/DB coach
Joe Whitt, Jr., Dallas Cowboys secondary/defensive pass game
LAMBERT TIES
James Adams, Navy cornerbacks coach
Chip Vaughn, Jets defensive assistant
An intriguing name with no connection to Brohm or Lambert is Indiana cornerbacks coach Brandon Shelby, who has worked in Bloomington for 10 years. But current Purdue d-line coach Mark Hagen coached with Shelby at Indiana.
Other names believed to be in the mix: Louisiana-Lafayette CB coach Jeff Burris and Temple CB coach Melvin Rice.
Don’t expect a coach to be named until after spring drills end on March 19.
2. New co-defensive coordinator Brad Lambert is a breath of fresh air.
Got to speak to Lambert for the first time recently, and he was very forthcoming and insightful in discussing his defensive plans.
That was a stark contrast to his predecessor, whom spoke to the media just two times during his oh-so-brief tenure in West Lafayette.
Lambert’s personality--and apparent acumen--mirrors that of the man who he says has been his biggest influence: Wake Forest coach Jim Grobe. And, anyone who knows Grobe knows that's a good thing.
I think Purdue got a very good coach in Lambert.
3. DaMarcus Mitchell is playing “Leo.”
That is the same position Derrick Barnes played in 2019 in the defense of former coordinator Nick Holt. “Leo” is a hybrid linebacker/end, a spot that requires an athletic player who can drop into coverage and also line up as a pass rusher.
It’s a role that seems tailored to Mitchell’s skill-set and playmaking ability in a defensive scheme that appears to be very similar to Holt’s attacking defense.
This position will allow Mitchell--mostly a linebacker last year--to use his vast skills and to be a difference-maker that is needed opposite George Karlaftis.
TWO QUESTIONS
1. Should Purdue be worried about its kicking and punting?
Yes, there is reason for concern. The good news: It’s only early March. There’s plenty of time to figure things out before Purdue opens the season at home on Sept. 4 vs. Oregon State.
Jeff Brohm wasn’t happy with his first look at the kickers in last Saturday’s scrimmage. The PAT and field-goal misses vs. live pressure left him exasperated.
This probably is redshirt freshman Edward Dellinger's job to lose. Oklahoma State sophomore transfer Ben Freehill is in the mix. He boots the ball higher than other kickers on the roster but has accurracy issues. Sophomore Chris Van Eekeren remains an option to kick off but is too spotty on field goals.
The punting? That likely won’t be decided until training camp, when Australian import Jack Ansell—slated to get on campus in May—battles junior Brooks Cormier and senior Zac Collins. Purdue coaches never have laid eyes on Ansell, offering him a scholarship based on video.
2. Is OC Brothers the best transfer?
No doubt, the Auburn linebacker has turned heads in the early goings, as Jeff Brohm has pointed out. And South Carolina end Joseph Anderson also has flashed. But don't forget about guard Tyler Witt.
The Western Kentucky transfer may be the strongest of Purdue’s o-linemen. The Joliet (Ill.) Catholic grad (Mike Alstott alma mater) lacks height (6-2, 300), but he is thrilled to get the chance to play Big Ten football.
Pencil him in to start at a guard spot. And look for him to excel. Kid is living a dream.
ONE PREDICTION
1. Purdue will be A-OK with Nate Dennison serving as director of recruiting.
Dennison came to Purdue just prior to the 2018 season, serving as assistant director of recruiting. Before coming to West Lafayette, Dennison worked at Western Kentucky from 2008-17 in various recruiting/player personnel capacities.
Dennison is an organized person who knows how to run a recruiting operation. And it’s important to remember this: Purdue’s coaches are the main recruiters. The recruits want to speak to the coaches. Dennison facilitates relationships and keeps the administrative functions of recruiting on track.
Know this: There is a chance Purdue could hire two assistants to help Dennison. Or, the staff could bring in someone to work in concert with Dennison as his peer.
Bottom line: Recruiting is well under control in the Kozuch Football Performance Complex along Northwestern Avenue.
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