Freshman Football Spotlight: Bryce Austin

Name: Bryce Austin

Position & Size: Interior Defensive Line (Nose), 6-2, 290 Pounds

Hometown: Southfield, Michigan (Southfield HS)

Strengths: Strength, Solid hands, ability to leverage offensive linemen, burst off the snap

Weaknesses: Lateral Quickness, pad level high

2020 Prediction: Redshirt

While Purdue is always looking for play makers on the defensive line, the return of Lorenzo Neal Jr, I believe will push Bryce to a possible redshirt in 2020.

Neal, along with Lawrence Johnson should be the two primary anchors in the new 3-4 defense. Nose Tackle, in my opinion, might be the most important position in a 3-4 defense.

The ability to slant and take on multiple linemen to allow the inside linebackers to make plays can not be understated. Neal, who was once a projected first round pick, will do great this year at that spot.

In reality, there just are not many 6-3+ 300+ pound human beings that can move the way you want your nose tackle to move in this defense. Purdue has Austin for 2020, which is a great start, but I think trying to take a nose tackle in each class isn’t a terrible idea.

Austin will be a great piece for the defensive line for years to come.