37 Days to Purdue Football: Paul Griggs

Let's not sugarcoat this, Purdue lacks scoring threats going into this season. Thankfully, we have a kicker who can hit it from deep, like Rick Mount on turf.

Paul Griggs - Sr.

Charlotte, NC (Charlotte Latin HS)

6'1", 196 pounds

Kicker

2015 Projection: Starter at kicker

Last year, Griggs went 16 for 20 kicking field goals and only missed one extra point. His most impressive feat though was his accuracy from 50+ yards. Griggs was 3-3 making him the only kicker in the NCAA who was perfect from that range with three or more attempts. His long last season was 53 yards against Wisconsin, but in high school he nailed a 57-yarder as a senior. Seriously, maybe Purdue and Nike should make his #37 the choice for replica jerseys this year.

The Boilers will likely be in some tight games this year and having strong-legged kicker could be the difference between 2-10 and 6-6 on the year. Griggs was named to the Lou Groza Award watch list and should be oozing with confidence going into the season. Unlike his predecessor Carson Wiggs, Griggs shouldn't have to worry about punting at all thanks to Thomas Meadows. The kickoff situation is still a bit unclear, as Travis touched on yesterday, but if Bravo or Meadows takes over then Paul will be able to put his full attention on placekicking. If Griggs has a good year, the Boilers should too and he could easily garner NFL interest.