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Today we have two No. 36s, and both of them are expected to be major contributors in 2017.
Richie Worship – So.
Cleveland, OH (Valley Forge HS)
6’1”, 242 pounds
Running back
2017 Projection: Contributor at running back
Purdue has a wealth of talent at running back, and one way that it might get multiple guys on the field is if Worship plays some as a fullback. Of all the options, he is the biggest at 242 pounds. He doesn’t have to be limited to fullback, however. He has proven he can tote the rock too.
He redshirted in 2015, but made his debut in last year’s opener. He finished the year with 133 yards and 2 touchdowns, scoring against Cincinnati and Illinois. It was at Illinois where he made his biggest contribution. With Brian Lankford-Johnson and Markell Jones banged up he came in and rushed for 60 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries and also had two receptions for 24 yards.
Unfortunately, he missed the final four games of the season with an injury. He still will be in the mix for carries this fall and could even start.