2009 Purdue Football: It Feels Like 1997

(Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Linebackers

A year of experience should do wonders for improvement of Joe Holland at weakside linebacker and Chris Carlino in the middle. Both are undersized, but Holland and Carlino are smart and rangy.

After two years of back injuries, Jason Werner is ready to takeover strongside linebacker for the departed Anthony Haygood. If healthy, Werner will be the team's best linebacker.

Look for true freshman Dwayne Beckford to make an immediate impact for Purdue.

Defensive Backs

Defensive back coach Lou Anarumo might have the easiest job this year being in charge of the best and most experienced unit on the team. Unless there is a surprise, all four spots will be manned by seniors.

Torii Williams was granted a sixth year of eligibility and should become an All-Big 10 player. Williams is a physical ball hawk equally effective in defending the run or pass.

Dwight Mclean will take over full-time at strong safety after starting four times in 2008. Mclean is strong and fast and will make big plays for the defense.

Brandon King and David Pender will again be the starting corners for the Boilermakers. King is the better tackler, and Pender is Purdue's best cover-corner.

Charlton Williams is a speedster that needs to grow into a reliable nickel back. Josh McKinley will play often, probably backing up at both safety spots.

Special Teams

Chris Summers struggled last year at both kicking and punting. He averaged 38.4 yards per punt and made just five of ten field goals.

For now, Summers will only punt and Carson Wiggs will be the placekicker after hitting eight of 11 field goals last season. Despite the demotion, don't be surprised if Summers becomes the starting kicker again eventually.

J.B. Gibboney will take over as the coach of the special teams with the assignment of improving the return game. Aaron Valentin, a disappointment at wide receiver last season after starring in junior college, will handle both kick and punt return duties.

Last year, the punt coverage team allowed three touchdowns and 16.7 yards per return. Those numbers have to improve to allow Purdue the opportunity to win close games.

Season Analysis

After last year's disappointment of a 4-8 season and the arrival of a new head coach, it is hard to imagine a winning record this year. Adding in the fact the Purdue's offense has recently been the cornerstone of the team but is now in rebuilding mode, a disaster season, three wins or less, might be right around the corner.

However, not much was expected in 1997 when Joe Tiller took over a program that experienced 12 losing seasons in a row. That team went 9-3 and included an opening loss to Toledo.

It just happens that Purdue opens this season against Toledo. A winning season is possible, just don't expect it.

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