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Today's player came to Purdue as one of the top rated tight ends in the nation. Now, he is the senior leader and anchor of the offensive line.
Robert Kugler - Sr.
Pittsburgh, PA (North Allegheny HS)
6'3", 294 pounds
Center
2015 Projection: Starting Center
Robert was recruited as a tight end back in 2010 but was moved to Center after his redshirt freshman year in the Spring of 2012 by Danny Hope and Gary Nord. That move turned out to be a smart one as he has a streak of 31 consecutive starts heading into this season and has been one of the best and most consistent players for Purdue over the past couple of years.
Kugler was named Offensive MVP by the coaching staff for the 2013 season and has been named to the Rimington Trophy Watch List for the nation's best center two years in a row. He is also a 3-time Academic All-Big Ten selection and a 2015 Big 10 Distinguished Scholar as a Political Science and History double major.
Robert's brother is an offensive lineman at Michigan. His father, Sean, is the head coach at UTEP and also served as an offensive coordinator in the NFL for 11 seasons with Pittsburgh, Detroit, and Buffalo.
Kugler enters his senior season with high expectations as he again is expected to lead and anchor the offensive line. This group finally has some cohesion and experience and should be one of the strongest units on the field for 2015.