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After a couple of reserves yesterday we have two players that are critical starters on each side of the ball today.
Cameron Posey – Sr.
Boca Raton, FL (American Heritage HS)
6’1”, 192 pounds
Wide Receiver
2016 Projection: Starter at Wide Receiver
Posey is one of the last Hope guys on the roster, having redshirted in 2012. Since then he has been a steady contributor and it is now hoped he can have a breakout season as Purdue’s slot receiver. In his career he has 71 receptions for 740 yards and 5 touchdowns, with his best season coming in 2013 as a redshirt freshman. That year he was one of the very few productive players on the offense with 26 catches for 297 yards and 3 scores.
Posey was limited the next season after tearing his ACL, but still caught 19 passes for 188 yards and a score. Last season was slightly better with 26 catches for 255 yards and a score, but he was mostly behind Danny Anthrop. With Anthrop gone now Posey will finally be a full-time starter (he has 12 starts in 35 career games) and it is likely he will be one of the key players on offense.
Eddy Wilson – So.
Pontiac, MI (West Bloomfield HS)
6’4”, 300 pounds
Defensive Tackle
2016 Projection: Starter at Defensive tackle
It is rare that true freshmen play at defensive tackle, but that was Wilson last year. Because of his size he came in immediately and was a key reserve in nine games with 10 tackles and a pass breakup. He is now expected to move full-time into the starter’s role next to Jake Replogle. The addition of Randy Melvin as the new defensive line coach also seems to have provided a boost for him:
Purdue coach Darrell Hazell said he was so impressed by what he saw on film from the first-string defensive line Monday afternoon that he went to Randy Melvin's office to tell him so.