Purdue Boilermakers Football: 2015 Season Preview and Prediction

Sep 27, 2014; West Lafayette, IN, USA; Purdue Boilermakers defensive tackle Ra’Zahn Howard (14) celebrates a sack by linebacker Gelen Robinson’s (13) of Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback C.J. Beathard (16) during the first half of the game at Ross Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports

Breakout Player to Watch: Gelen Robinson

Last year, Robinson saw lots of action as a freshman at defensive end, and he racked up two sacks and four tackles. With both starting ends from last year gone, he is going to be the main guy this year there.

And the former four-star recruit on rivals should be set to take over. Robinson will be playing next to Ryan Watson and Jake Replogle along with other solid players who simply cannot be ignored. As a result, Robinson has a chance to significantly blow up plays and make a huge name for himself.

If Purdue and Darrell Hazell are going to stick with this ball-control, field position, defensive struggle mentality, then you need tough defensive players, particularly on the defensive line.

That is exactly what they can get out of Robinson, who has the skills to be a flat-out stud. He is agile enough to be a sack machine and a huge pass rusher as a full-time starter, and he should play a huge role in helping to improve Purdue’s defense for this year.

So watch to see if he becomes a Big Ten star for next year, because this is a guy who has raw talent and developed last year as a freshman. The future only looks brighter.

Next: Final Thoughts and Prediction