Let's celebrate the independence of our country today not by blowing up a small part of it, but by profiling a player that has played all over the offensive and defensive lines since he came to Purdue in 2007.
Nick Mondek - Jr.
Hometown: Naperville, IL (Naperville Central)
Offensive Tackle
6'5", 299 pounds
2010 Projection: Possible starter at Right Tackle
No more tackling for Mondek, unless we turn the ball over.
Since we had a shortage of offensive tackles in spring football Mondek is a player that made the move to the other side of the ball. For the previous two seasons he had been a key reserve at defensive tackle. The needs of the team prevailed though. He is now expected to either start at right tackle or be a key reserve on a line that looks to have its most depth in years. Based on the sheer number of players competing for the three open starting spots we should be deep. That's good because even though the line needs to be re-formed, there are plenty of quality players to choose from.
Mondek's defensive stats were respectable in limited time on the field. Last season he had 11 tackles and two sacks in 11 games. In 2008 he was an Academic All-Big Ten selection and won the team's Newcomer Award. He appeared in all 12 games with seven tackles and a fumble recovery at Michigan State. He very nearly won the starting defensive tackle job over Kawann Short last season. His move to the offensive line also prompted a jersey switch from 99 to 62.