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We’re into single digits, and that means players that are expecting a lot of playing time. Today we have guys that will be critical reserves at key positions.
Terry Wright – Jr.
Memphis, TN (Coffeyville Community College)
5’11”, 180 pounds
Wide Receiver
2017 Projection: Contributor at Wide Receiver
Terry Wright was brought in to play immediately. The junior college transfer was one of the better receivers available on the junior college market and coach Brohm needed receivers. He had 50 receptions for 805 yards and 8 TDs last season, ranking 11th in the country at the junior college level. He was also a decent kickoff returner with 509 return yards and a TD.
In the new Brohm offense we need him to be a contributor. Purdue is going to rotate in a lot of receivers and the absolute need is there for Wright to perform. He is going to get playing time and a lot of it. There will be passes his way. As long as he can catch them, there will be opportunities to make plays.
Lorenzo Neal – So.
Houston, TX (St. Thomas HS)
6’2”, 325 pounds
Defensive tackle
2017 Projection: Contributor at Defensive Tackle
Having big defensive tackles that can come in and plug the middle of the field is huge. You want four at least as part of a rotation, and Neal will be part of that rotation. Last season he played in seven games with four starts and finished with 11 tackles and a sack. This year he will need to do more.
Neal already had a big highlight this year. He missed part of fall camp because his dad, the long-time NFL fullback for 16 seasons, introduced LaDanian Tomlinson into the NFL Hall of Fame a few weeks ago. He is one of several recent Purdue players that had strong NFL bloodlines like Keith Byars II (son of Keith Byars) and Brandon Taylor (son of Lawrence Taylor).