What a difference a year makes for the Purdue football defensive ends.
Last fall, the Boilermakers had Kydran Jenkins and Nic Scourton, who created plenty of havoc on opposing offenses. The dynamic duo accounted for 17.5 sacks last fall for Purdue football. However, Jenkins is playing in the middle of Purdue’s defense, while Scourton transferred to Texas A&M.
While some may be concerned, Purdue football rush ends coach Joe Dineen is not.
“You can’t compare last year to this year. If we go out and do what we are supposed to, the numbers are going to come,” Dineen told the media this week.
Perhaps, some of Dineen’s attitude comes from the fact that Purdue football brings back standout Will Heldt. A season ago as a true freshman, Heldt notched 12 tackles. He picked up right where he left off during the spring, snagging an interception and returning it 23 yards for a touchdown in Purdue football’s spring game.
“Will has turned into a monster right now. He’s rushing at a high level. He’s got speed. He has taken a leadership role in the room. There is no pressure. I think he realizes what he has to do, and I encourage him to go out and play his game and do the best he can,” Dineen said.
In addition to Heldt, Purdue football added three huge pieces through the transfer portal in Georgia transfer CJ Madden, Boston College transfer Shitta Sillah and Franklin College transfer Jireh Ojata.
Last year, Ojata recorded 53 tackles, 17 tackles for a loss, 9.5 sacks and blocked four kicks for the Division III Franklin College Grizzlies.
“Jirah has developed. From where he was first day of spring ball to now is almost like a different guy. That is a credit to him and his work ethic. He just came out to camp with a different mindset and it has been really fun to watch,” Dineen said.
Madden notched three tackles with the Bulldogs, while Sillah has 80 career tackles.
“I’m really excited about the guys. We’ve added Jireh, CJ and Shitta. I think what’s fun is they all provide something different. When the tackles get going, it will be something different that they will have to stop. They’ve done a good job so far at camp,” Dineen said.
One of the biggest things the Boilermakers have worked on at defensive end has been route recognition, according to Dineen.
“It has been a huge emphasis for us this camp. Kind of trying to see what the offenses are doing to us, especially on the back end. Breaking on the football and trying to be as disruptive as we can,” Dineen said.
Purdue football opens the season Aug. 31 at Ross-Ade Stadium against Indiana State.
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