We seem to be in a run of wide receivers on the countdown of late. Today's player is the third of four straight receivers that are vying for playing time in the new, non-Nordfense offense that now features a downfield passing game!
Charles Torwudzo - Jr.
Brownsburg, Indiana (Brownsburg HS)
6'4", 215 pounds
Wide Receiver
2013 Projection: Contributor at wide receiver
Once upon a time Charles Torwudzo was the first recruit in Danny Hope's class of 2010. He was the first player to agree to come on board and it was thought he would be the big, downfield threat that Purdue has often lacked. The funny thing is that it is hard to be a downfield threat when your offensive coordinator has a fetish for bubble screens and multiple quarterbacks. Torwudzo had 30 receptions for 470 yards and six touchdowns as a senior at Brownsburg, averaging over 15 yards per catch and a touchdown every five catches.
So far, those numbers have no translated, but much of it is not his fault. He redshirted in 2010 and did not play in 2011. Last season he was a reserve in nine games where he caught his first two collegiate passes for 19 yards. Torwudzo now has two years remaining to make his park, and a host of younger players behind him also trying to get playing time.
Gary Bush is the lone receiver that has been around the program longer, so Torwudzo is a de facto elder statesmen among the receivers. Hopefully that leads to more playing time this year from a guy that still has a lot of promise.