Purdue using spring practice for QB competition
Quarterback play is critical in Jeff Brohm’s offense. And, through the first three years, Purdue has done pretty well at the position.
Elijah Sindelar and David Blough rotated in 2017, providing the Boilermakers offense with different looks against different opponents. In 2018, Blough stole the starting job early in the season and helped lead Purdue to a second-straight bowl game.
Last fall, Purdue battled some issues. With Sindelar suffering an injury early and Jack Plummer’s season cut short, as well, the Boilermakers needed to turn to Aidan O’Connell, a walk-on, to run the offense. Purdue battled, but the season ended with a 4-8 record.
Now, with no true No. 1 heading into the 2020 season, Purdue is utilizing spring practice as an opportunity to find its next starter. And over the course of the next month, the Boilermakers will be rotating between Plummer and O’Connell to find their guy.
“Right now, it’s competition,” quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator Brian Brohm told GoldandBlack.com. “Competition. So, they will be rotating through as evenly as we can make it.”
A starter won’t be named anytime soon, and the competition is more than likely going to spill over into summer and fall. But the Boilers are hoping that this competition only creates stronger quarterback play when the season kicks off.
Plummer played in seven games for Purdue last season, throwing for 1,603 yards and 11 touchdowns with eight interceptions. O’Connell appeared in six contests, totaling 1,101 yards through the air and eight touchdown strikes with four interceptions.
Purdue’s spring game is scheduled for Saturday, April 4.