Purdue DT Kawann Short dominates E. Kentucky without big numbers
By CRAIG DRAGASH
ISL Correspondent
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Kawann Short recorded one tackle in Purdue’s 48-6 blowout win over Eastern Kentucky, a sack for a loss of four yards.
It was a modest statistic for the 6-foot-3, 315-pound senior defensive tackle whose name appears on numerous preseason All-America lists.
Make no mistake, the Colonels felt his presence Saturday in the season opener for both schools. Purdue’s defensive line was in their backfield for much of the game, limiting them to just 190 total yards.
(Kawann Short) was a monster,” Eastern Kentucky senior running back Matt Denham said. “We didn’t have an answer for him.”
If you’re looking for statistical evidence of Short’s impact on the game, look under blocked kicks. He blocked both an extra point and a field goal and now has six blocked kicks in his Purdue career.
The guys beside me really help me out by getting a push, whether it’s Bruce (Gaston), Brandon (Taylor), or Ryan (Isaac),” Short said. “Once we get the push, I basically just get my jump and try to knock it down.
When asked about the performance of Purdue’s defense, Short was humble.
I thought we did a great job, but there’s always room for improvement,” he said. “As far as giving up points, that’s on the defense to fix that.
The Boilermakers (1-0) hope for a similar performance next Saturday at Notre Dame. The Irish defeated Navy 50-10 in Dublin, Ireland on Saturday.
