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Training Camp Preview: The cornerbacks

Today, GoldandBlack.com continues its in-depth, position-by-position look at the 2006 Boilermaker football team heading into training camp. The Boilers are scheduled to report to campus for preseason practice on Aug. 6.
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With good reason, the cornerbacks will be Purdue's most-watched personnel group during training camp. More than any other spot, this one holds the most questions, not many of which remained unanswered exiting the spring.
Key Players
Zach Logan: Logan made some improvements toward the end of last season, but inexplicably seemed to lose all he had gained during the spring. He's lost his starting job, but a good training camp could get him back in the lineup.
Brandon King: Pardon King if he had a deer-in-the-headlights look at times last season, for he likely shouldn't have been playing so early in his career. But pressed into action early, he faired OK.
Impact Newcomers
Royce Adams: At worst, Adams, a highly regarded prospect out of Ohio, will have a chance to contribute in a reserve role right away. But he's hoping for more. Considering Purdue's need for quality corners, he might get that opportunity.
Jonte Lindsey: Little is known about Lindsey, a JUCO transfer. But considering Purdue's situation, he's sure to get a long look at corner. Smaller physically, Lindsey is said to play much bigger than his stature might suggest.
X Factor
Aaron Lane: A walk-on and former running back, Lane seems to have found a home at cornerback. In just 15 spring practices, Lane not only moved into the mix at corner, but also ascended to the first string. Whether he stays there or not has yet to be determined, but at the least he provides depth.
Best Competition: Everywhere. With this beleaguered unit, nothing is yet set in stone. Logan, Lane and King should be poised to battle it out for the two starting cornerback spots, but others could easily join the fray.
Lowdown: After last season's abysmal showing, the Boilermakers must improve in the secondary, namely at cornerback. They don't have to be great — and they won't — but consistency is a must. If Purdue doesn't find that, it could be another long season defensively.
The Roster Rundown
• Royce Adams — 6-0, 180, Fr.
• Frank Duong — 5-8, 176, So.
• Paul Dubler — 6-1, 184, Sr. (5)
• Brandon King — 5-11, 184, So.
• Aaron Lane — 5-8, 172, So.
• Zach Logan — 5-11, 186, So.
• Jonte Lindsey — 5-10, 170, Jr.
• Fabian Martin — 5-11, 188, So.
• David Pender — 6-1, 175, Fr.
• Terrell Vinson* — 5-9, 175, Jr.
* Late verbal commitment
Previous Position Previews:
The linebackers
The defensive tackles
The defensive ends
The safeties
For the best preseason Purdue football coverage available anywhere, sign up for GoldandBlack.com's Ultimate Ticket .
Copyright, Boilers, Inc. 2006. All Rights Reserved. Reproducing or using editorial or graphical content, in whole or in part, without permission, is strictly prohibited. E-mail GoldandBlack.com/Boilers, Inc.
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