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As the numbers get smaller we're going to get more two-player days since the NCAA allows multiple players to wear the same number as long as they are not on the field at the same time. That typically means an offensive player and a defensive player are the ones wearing the same jersey.
Today features a walk-on along with a senior that should play a big role in the offense.
Brandon Cottom - Sr.
Newtown, PA (Council Rock North HS)
6'4", 265 pounds
Running Back
2014 Projection: contributor at running back
There really are not many back as big or bigger than Cottom. He is a gigantic running back at 6'4" and 265 pounds and many felt he was underused last season in the running game. He finished the year with 45 carries for 154 yards and one of only two rushing touchdowns scored by a running back for Purdue all season. That came in the season finale at Indiana. He also caught seven passes for 99 yards, but 70 of those came on one catch vs. the Hoosiers.
Cottom has been a big play threat his entire career. In 2012 he had one of the longest touchdown runs in Purdue history when he scored from 87 yards out against Eastern Michigan. He finished the year with 209 yards rushing and two scores along with 7 catches for 79 yards and two more scores. He added 70 yards as a true freshman in 2011 before a knee injury ended his season after 11 games.
Cottom has a very high ceiling in 2014. As a bruising back, expect him to clear the way for Raheem Mostert or Akeem Hunt. He can also get the tough yards as well as catch passes out of the backfield. With over 400 career rushing yards and close to 200 receiving yards along with five career touchdowns he is one of Purdue's most seasoned players, and it would be very nice if he found a way to match those career numbers in his final season.
Phil Taylor - Jr.
Michigan City, IN (Michigan City HS)
5'11", 189 pounds
Defensive Back
2014 Projection: Deep reserve at defensive back
Not a lot is known about Taylor. Last year was his first season as a walk-on and he is a former HS teammate of Ryan Isaac, who finished his career as a defensive tackle last year. He is primarily a practice player who could contribute on special teams before all is said and done.