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The No. 15 jersey at starting quarterback will forever be a happy sight for Purdue fans. No matter who wears it, people will think of Drew Brees. While today's player has not had as many memorable moments as Brees at Purdue, he enters his final season hoping to write his own chapter as a member of the Cradle of Quarterbacks.
Rob Henry - Sr. (5)
Ocala, Florida (Trinity HS)
6'2", 205 pounds
Quarterback
2013 Projection: Starter at quarterback
I think Rob Henry will be this year's starting quarterback. He has the experience needed for the spot. He has the respect of his teammates. He also has the leadership qualities that we're looking for. So far he has taken the most snaps with the No.1 offense in camp and I think he gives Purdue its best chance to win the most games possible this year. I think there are some shades of Billy Dicken in 1997 and Joey Elliott in 2009 as senior quarterbacks getting their first full-time chance to start under new coaches.
Henry feels like he has been around forever but has only actually played in two different seasons. He redshirtted in 2009 behind Elliott and missed all of 2011 after tearing his ACL before the season started. He rushed for 547 yards on 104 carries with four touchdowns in 2010, but only had 74 rushing yards last season with one score. This was mostly because his entrance at quarterback was like Gary Nord holding up a sign that said, "WE'RE RUNNING HENRY ON THIS PLAY."
Henry has never gotten a fair shake as a passer. Pressed into action because of Robert Marve's ACL tear in 2010, Henry threw for 996 yards and eight TDs against seven interceptions. Last year he was lightly better percentage-wise and had 216 yards and three scores against 1 pick. Much of this was in limited action as the No. 3 QB or as a specialty wildcat QB. By the end of the season he had passed Caleb TerBush as Robert Marve's No.2.
Henry is the lone QB on the roster with any game experience. He's a former team captain and he is a natural leader. I think we'll do just fine if he is given the keys.