Training Camp Preview: The wide receivers
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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Making young quarterback Curtis Painter's life considerably easier will be a strong corps of wide receivers, a group that from top to bottom could be the deepest, most talented collection Coach Joe Tiller's had in his decade in West Lafayette.
Key Players
• Dorien Bryant: Purdue's most dangerous offensive threat and one of the Big Ten's finest offensive players, Bryant's looking to build on a sophomore season in which he caught 80 balls despite falling out of rhythm in the offense for a couple weeks.
If Painter and Bryant are on the same page this season, look for the junior slot receiver to have another huge season catching the ball, running the ball and returning kicks.
• Kyle Ingraham: All indications this off-season have been that Ingraham is healthy now after battling a constant stream of injuries in recent years. That's terrific news for Purdue, if true, as the telephone pole-like pass-catcher is as reliable as they come and could make for a fine third-down option, among other things.
• Greg Orton: A physical 6-foot-4 sophomore who made a significant move in the spring and appears poised to be a major contributor.
At this point, though he plays the often-overlooked far-side outside receiver spot, it's difficult to imagine Orton not contributing significantly this season.
Impact Newcomers
• Selwyn Lymon: Practically anointed as Purdue's next great player from the day he first committed to the Boilermakers, the former blue-chip recruit had to wait a year to make his debut.
Now that he's poised to, he'll probably be one of the closest scrutinized players in camp, after not playing in 2005.
Considering Lymon's situation and Purdue's multitude of other receiving options, it's unclear what sort of role he might play, but if the 6-4 former sprinter can help the Boilermakers' moribund vertical passing game, that'd be a fine start.
• Roberto McBean: Purdue recruited the junior college transfer with the thought in mind that he could come in and help right away. The receiver corps is fairly crowded, but McBean will nonetheless be given an opportunity to carve his niche during camp.
X Factor
• Lymon: Clearly, Lymon stands to impact things the most if he proves capable of shaking off a year of rust and being an impact performer right away.
• Andre Chattams: Coming off his most productive season — 17 catches for 178 yards and a TD — the fifth-year senior is experienced and versatile, with the ability to play both outside and in the slot. With some more compelling names sharing the depth chart, he probably should not be forgotten about.
Best Competition: With Bryant locking down the slot, the outside positions should be an absolute free-for-all, with Ingraham and Orton likely assured of substantial playing time, and Lymon, Chattams and a handful of other players fighting for every snap they can get.
Lowdown: For Purdue, it's a shame there's only one football to throw around. If the Boilermaker passing game struggles again this season, it probably won't be for lack of able receiving options.
The Roster Rundown
• Derek Benson — 6-1, 191, R-Fr.
• Dorien Bryant — 5-10, 175, Jr.
• Andre Chattams — 6-0, 198, Sr. (5)
• Yosmond Dodd* — 5-9, 185, Jr.
• Kyle Ingraham — 6-9, 228, Sr.
• Chase Lecklider — 6-0, 204, Sr. (5)
• Selwyn Lymon — 6-4, 210, So.
• Roberto McBean — 6-0, 190, Jr.
• Greg Orton — 6-4, 191, So.
• Jake Standeford — 6-2, 189, Jr.
• Mario Swope — 5-10, 185, Fr.
• Desmond Tardy — 6-1, 192, So.
• Brandon Whittington — 6-2, 206, So.
• Joe Whitest — 6-2, 190, So.
• Byron Williams — 6-3, 191, Jr.
* Ineligible in 2006 after transferring from East Texas Baptist
Previous Position Previews:
Offense
Defense
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