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Just one week from today I’ll be in Ross-Ade to start a new season. Both of today’s players will likely be starting, too.
DeAngelo Yancey – Sr.
Atlanta, GA (Mays HS)
6’2”, 205 pounds
Wide Receiver
2016 Projection: Starter at Wide Receiver
Yancey made a bold statement this summer. He guaranteed a bowl game. I certainly hope he is right because he would play a large role in getting there. Yancey is Purdue’s most accomplished receiver on the roster. He officially has 92 receptions for 1,393 yards and 10 touchdowns in his career. Last season was his best to date, with a solid 48-700-5 to lead the team.
Even outsiders are expecting a big season from Yancey. He has averaged more than 15 yards per catch and he presents matchup problems on the outside. He is also a very capable deep threat. If he has solved the drops problem that bothered him last season he should have a very big year.
Robert Gregory – Sr.
Chicago, IL (Simeon HS)
6’1”, 225 pounds
Safety
2016 Projection: Contributor at safety
Gregory has been all over the field at Purdue. In high school he was a pretty good dual-threat quarterback with 1,509 yards passing and 919 yards rushing to go with 43 combined touchdowns his last year. Once he got to Purdue he shifted to running back before moving over to safety in 2014. Now he is trying to hold of true freshman Navon Mosley to stay as a starter.
Gregory can play a bit though. Last season he had 50 tackles, an interception, and a fumble recovery as a regular starter. Purdue needs him to be strong against the run and to improve his coverage skills in his final year on campus.