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Report: Purdue starting defensive lineman won’t return in 2016
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Nobody in the B1G will return more starters than Purdue in 2016.
While that’s still the case, it’ll be one less than originally expected.
According to Goldandblack.com, Purdue nose guard Ra’Zahn Howard won’t return for his senior season in 2016. He plans to transfer for his final season.
Howard was suspended for a violation of team rules in January, and he was arrested for public intoxication at the end of the month. He had already been suspended by that point and didn’t participate in any spring practices or team activities.
It’s a frustrating end for a player who had plenty of expectations at Purdue. Two years ago, Darrell Hazell said that Howard was the most exciting player on the roster. In 29 games, he recorded 47 tackles and three sacks.
The New Jersey native was expected to start alongside Jake Replogle. That position could be filled by Eddy Wilson, who played in nine games as a reserve in 2015.
Either way, Purdue will need some major help up front. The Boilers finished last in the B1G and 108th in FBS against the run last year.
Connor O'Gara is the senior national columnist for Saturday Tradition. He's a member of the Football Writers Association of America. After spending his entire life living in B1G country, he moved to the South in 2015.