Hunt makes the most of his opportunity at Purdue spring game
By CRAIG DRAGASH
ISL Correspondent
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Last season, Akeem Hunt was considered a “speed” back or a “changeup” back, sharing carries with talented rushers such as Akeem Shavers and Ralph Bolden.
Hunt made a statement in Saturday’s spring game at Ross Ade stadium that he wants to be the every down back by rushing for 134 yards on 19 carries, including a 15-yard dash up the middle into the end zone, as his Black squad defeated the Gold squad 14-0 in front of a crowd of 6,427 on a cold afternoon in West Lafayette.
“I’m really motivated (to become an every down back),” Hunt said. “Day in and day out, if I’m not in the weight room, I’m doing pushups, taking protein shakes, trying to keep my speed. I just want to be an every down back. The offensive line opened up big holes for me to run through today.”
New Purdue coach Darrell Hazell added: “He’s a marquee back in this league.”
Here are some of my observations from Saturday’s action:
Rob Henry has a different look in this offense.
Henry really wasn’t used as a runner as he has been in previous seasons; he was primarily a passer, going 6 for 9 for 75 yards, with an 8-yard touchdown strike to sophomore Shane Mikesky. Henry basically alternated series with freshman Danny Etling, and Henry appeared to have a command of this offense, and he clearly looked like the number one quarterback coming out of the game, although Hazell wouldn’t commit to that.
“It will be an open competition until about two weeks before the Cincinnati game” Hazell said. “Rob did a great job commanding our offense though today.”
Several key players didn’t see the field, so other players had a chance to step up and take advantage of the opportunity.
Players who didn’t suit up included CB Ricardo Allen, WR Danny Anthrop, WR Gary Bush, RB Brandon Cottom, S Landon Feichter, WR Dolapo McCarthy, DL Brandon Taylor, and DL Ryan Isaac.
Mikesky, a sophomore, and freshmen wide receivers B.J. Knauf and Keenan Schon were targeted several times on the day. Mikesky caught two balls for 19 yards and a touchdown, while Knauf also had two catches for 25 yards.
Gabe Holmes could be one of the top tight ends in the Big Ten in 2013.
Holmes caught 4 passes for 74 yards. Every catch Holmes made moved the chains, making him a legitimate threat, especially on third down. He could be Purdue’s best tight end since Dustin Keller.
Sophomore DT Michael Rouse III made his presence known.
Rouse deflected two passes and had an interception off another deflected pass. With the departure of Kawann Short, Rouse appears to be ready to be a playmaker at defensive tackle to help fill that void.
Danny Etling could have a bright future in this offense.
Etling was 5 for 7 for 54 yards with one interception. He appeared very comfortable in this offense, moving well in the pocket and taking care of the football. He did have one deep ball that went off of the hands of receiver Raheem Mostert, but the ball was well thrown. Henry appears to be the guy for this season, but Etling looks to be the heir apparent.
Darrell Hazell and his coaches appear to have the respect of their players.
Several comments were made in the post game conference by players regarding the respect they have for the current coaching staff. Henry commented on the up-tempo, disciplined nature of the spring camp. Rouse talked about how much the coaches care about their players. Hazell himself stated that “I don’t know how far we are, but I know were heading in the right direction.” This is a change from the days of Danny Hope, who always appeared to try to sell everyone on his brand. Hazell appears to be more of a straight-shooter, giving a realistic depiction of the status of his football team.
It should be interesting to see the progress of this team between now and its opening game at Cincinnati on August 31st. Hazell certainly seems to have the Boilermakers heading in the right direction. What’s unclear is if they have the talent to compete right away, or if they are a year or two away of being a legitimate threat in the Big Ten.
I know fans in West Lafayette are anxious to find out.
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