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Perhaps the biggest news out of fall practice day 4 is that the defense changed things up a little and may occasionally go with a 3-4 alignment. This was discussed but rarely implemented last season and is a risk considering Purdue's struggles at linebacker. Still at least it is trying to fix the problem by doing something new. The Black Hammer was able to get some video:
Perhaps of note is that the fourth linebacker in on the 3-4 scheme was freshman Danny Ezechukwu. With Ruben Ibarra out at least two weeks due to an ankle sprain Purdue is limited on experienced linebackers, however. Andy Garcia and Jimmy Herman are redshirt freshmen and any other upperclassmen are walk-ons.
One of those walk-ons that did get in with the No. 1's was Collin Link, the younger brother of former starting safety Logan Link. Jules Williams also got a look there.
On the QB derby:
For the second straight day Rob Henry took most of the No. 1 offense snaps at quarterback. Coach Hazell was very quick to point out that this means nothing at all:
Asked whether to read anything into Rob Henry taking No. 1 QB snaps for 2nd straight day, Darrell Hazell said: 'Absolutely not.' #Purdue
— GoldandBlack.com (@GoldandBlackcom) August 6, 2013
It looks like this was a different spin on the rotation between him and Danny Etling. There was also no word on how Austin Appleby is doing in comparison to the two, but several unofficial sources think he may be gaining.
Monteroso makes a move:
Another true freshman that may see immediate playing time is Dan Monteroso:
Hazell said WR Monteroso is a "football junkie. He's got a good feel for what's happening around him." #Purdue
— mike carmin (@carminjc) August 6, 2013
As you saw during the receivers preview, Purdue has a ton of scholarship guys at the position, so to see Monteroso out-performing them, especially guys that have been here awhile, is a good thing for him. It still looks like Danny Anthrop, B.J. Knauf, and Dolapo Macarthy are in the top three, however.
Still no punt returner:
The longer this goes on the more likely I think it is that a freshman gets the job. Frankie Williams, Gary Bush, B.J. Knauf, Akeem Hunt, and Dalyn Dawkins were used there today.
Cottom hurt:
It appears as if Brandon Cottom has a minor knee injury that kept him out today. He was the only new injury of note.