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Purdue QB Aidan O’Connell talks areas of improvement for 2022 season
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Purdue quarterback Aidan O’Connell enjoyed one of the best seasons in the B1G during 2021. His big arm helped lead the Boilermakers to a 9-4 record, which included multiple upset victories and a win over Tennessee in the Music City Bowl.
Heading into the 2022 season, O’Connell is regarded as the second-best quarterback in the conference, behind only Ohio State’s CJ Stroud. It’s hard to argue against that point after he threw for 3,708 yards, 28 touchdowns and completed nearly 72% of his passes.
Now that he’s the clear No. 1 guy in West Lafayette, O’Connell is looking for ways to improve his game.
“I’m trying to improve a lot more going into this year than I have in the past,” O’Connell said on BTN Today. “Athleticism is something I’m trying to get better at. Work on my running — things like that. I don’t know that’ll ever be a strength of mine but I’m trying to work on that.”
Because of O’Connell’s big arm, he doesn’t necessarily need to be the most quick-footed guy on the field. But improving his ability to avoid sacks and pick up additional yardage on scrambles would make Purdue’s offense even more dynamic.
Improving his run game isn’t the only spot where O’Connell sees room for improvement.
“Probably the most important thing is being a leader for my teammates every day,” he said. “Coming into the locker room, bringing a positive energy and just trying to get the most out of my teammates.”
Purdue wrapped up spring practice on Saturday.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB