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Today is the first day with two players on the countdown, as you can have players where the same number as long as one is on offense and one is on defense.
Ben Buechel - Fr. (RS)
New Berlin, WI (Eisenhower HS)
6’3”, 235 pounds
Tight End
2021 Projection: Likely reserve
Buechel came to Purdue as a preferred walk-on before last season. He was originally committed to play at Air Force, but switched to Purdue after a senior season of 25 passes for 339 yards and four touchdowns.
Buechel projects as a reserve this year with Payne Durham, Garrett Miller, and Kyle Bilodeau getting most of the snaps.
Dontay Hunter II - So.
Westerville, OH (Westerville Central)
6’4”, 260 pounds
Defensive End
2021 Projection: Likely reserve
It is year three for Hunter with the program, so it is a make or break year, really. After redshirting in 2019 he did not play last year when Purdue was looking for answers at defensive end. He is a former three-star recruit that had a senior season of 113 total tackles, including 101 solo stops, with 12.0 sacks.
Hunter is one of many that is fighting to be in the rotation on the defensive line. With George Karlaftis having one spot on lockdown it is up to Hunter to earn the other one.