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Today the parade of offensive linemen continues with a JuCo transfer brought in to shore up a position of weakness.
Ethan Smart – Jr.
Southaven, MS (Northeast Mississippi Community College)
6’6”, 290 pounds
Offensive Line
2017 Projection: Reserve on Offensive Line
A player like Smart is all about depth. When he committed Purdue did not have graduate transfers Dave Steinmetz and Shane Evans on board. Smart was brought in as a potential starter, but now it looks like he will be at least a key reserve as the offensive line situation has resolved itself thanks to transfers. Overall, he is one of three newcomers brought in to help immediately.
Smart was able to enroll in January and already has a semester under his belt. That was a semester worth of spring practice, as well. He projects mostly as a tackle, giving Purdue a few options there with Matt McCann, Steinmetz, and Grant Hermanns. He can also play guard if necessary, thus making him critical in terms of depth.