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Purdue enters 2021 with questions at kicker and secondary, but today’s players might be answers.
Mitchell Fineran - Grad Transfer
Ft. Valley, GA (Samford University)
5’11”, 185
Kicker
2021 Projection: Starter
The departure of J.D. Dellinger means the kicking position is wide open for the first time in several years. Purdue had a lot of inexperienced walk-ons, but Fineran brings stability. At FCS Samford he has been mostly excellent for three years. As a true freshman in 2018 he was 13 of 17 with a long of 46 yards. The next year he was 15 of 21 and boosted his kickoffs with 23 touchbacks. Last season in an abbreviated spring season he was 15 of 18 in just seven games and hit a career long of 50.
If he had a weakness it would be inconsistency on kickoffs, but he has gotten better there every year. Purdue could also use one of its other kickers as a kickoff specialist too. The free year of eligibility given to all athletes means he could be a two year kicking solution, too.
Nyles Beverly - So.
Macedonia, OH (Nordonia HS)
6’, 195 pounds
Defensive Back
2021 Projection: Reserve
In his two years in West Lafayette so far beverly has yet to see the field, making this season an important transition one to move up the depth chart. He was a three-star prospect and first team all-state out of Ohio as a high school prospect.
Purdue defensive backfield is crowded with questions, so he has every chance to compete.