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It’s been a quiet week on the countdown. Purdue has yet to release a roster for the coming season, so I am still working off of the spring roster. That makes today a double player day with two No. 34s.
Richie Worship - Jr.
Cleveland, OH (Valley Forge HS)
6’, 260 pounds
Running Back
2018 Projection: Contributor at running back
Worship is a massive running back that is a load for anyone to bring down. After redshirting in 2015 he has been a solid contributor the last two seasons. He has 390 yards on 88 carries with 5 touchdowns. He has also caught 18 passes for 121 yards and two more scores. Last season he led the team in rushing touchdowns (three) and was third in total touchdowns with five behind Jackson Anthrop and Anthony Mahoungou.
His best game came against Nebraska, when he rushed for 89 yards and a score. Unfortunately, he tore his ACL agaisnt Northwestern a few weeks later, ending his season. As a result, he is not going to be ready for the beginning of this season according to coach Brohm at media days.
Purdue has the depth to cover for him right now, but Worship’s combination of size and agility make him a unique back for us. Hopefully he can be back some time this season.
Jonah Williams - Fr. (RS)
West Lafayette, IN
6’3”, 235 pounds
Linebacker
2018 Projection: Possible contributor at linebacker
Purdue’s needs at linebacker are well known, so even though Williams is a redshirt freshman walk-on he might end up seeing some playing time out of necessity. He does have a good lineage, however. He is the son of legendary Purdue receiver Calvin Williams, an associate athletic director at Purdue. His dad played in the NFL for seven seasons with the Eagles and Ravens, catching 308 passes for 3,925 yards and 35 touchdowns.
That was obviously enough for Jonah to get a look with this team, but hopefully he can make some noise in his own right.