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When Western Kentucky offensive lineman Dennis Edwards announced he was going to graduate and transfer for his final year of eligibility, Purdue seemed like the obvious choice.
Today, Edwards made it official.
Shutting it down. I’d like to thank everyone who’s reached out to me. But I’ve decided to end this thing with who I started it with. After much thought and prayer I’ll be re-joining the Brohmsquad! #BoilerUp
— Dennis Edwards (@d_edwards64) May 21, 2018
Edwards is a 6’1, 305 pound guard/center originally from Snellville, Georgia. After redshirting as a true freshman, Edwards was named to the Conference USA all freshman team as a redshirt, and has appeared in 41 games over the last 3 seasons. He had several other options, but couldn’t resist the opportunity to rejoin his original head coach for his final season. That certainly speaks to how players feel about Brohm and his staff.
Edwards immediately solves the back up center question for Purdue and could solve a potential problem at right tackle. With Edwards in the mix at guard, I think the coaches take a look at kicking Matt McCann back out to tackle, especially if either Grant Hermanns or Eric Swingler are not 100% to start the year.
It gets a little complicated, but if Hermanns isn’t ready to go after knee surgery, Swingler starts at left tackle, McCann kicks out to right tackle, and Edwards slots in at right guard. If Swingler isn’t ready to go after shoulder surgery, McCann kicks out to right tackle and Edwards slots in at right guard.
If Hermanns and Swingler are both healthy, it’s still possible that McCann kicks out to right tackle. McCann entered Purdue as a tackle, and played right tackle as a true freshman. Last season he was moved inside to guard and flourished in that role. This spring he spent most of his time back at right tackle because Purdue was woefully short on tackle options in the spring. Having Swingler as flex tackle option off the bench would be a luxury for the offensive line.
Regardless of how the particulars shake out, Purdue now has 6 experienced offensive linemen to fill 5 spots. Edwards didn’t transfer to sit on the bench. So expect to see him as either a starter, or part of the 3 man guard rotation.
Either way, Purdue got better today.