Big Ten Football: Each team’s most important newcomer for 2020

Michael Dwumfour, Michigan football (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
Michael Dwumfour, Michigan football (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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WEST LAFAYETTE, IN – NOVEMBER 30: A Purdue Boilermakers helmet is seen on the sidelines during the game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Ross-Ade Stadium on November 30, 2019, in West Lafayette, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN – NOVEMBER 30: A Purdue Boilermakers helmet is seen on the sidelines during the game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Ross-Ade Stadium on November 30, 2019, in West Lafayette, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

Jeff Brohm and the Purdue Boilermakers played their hearts out last season despite having over 20 starters and key contributors injured at various times last season. Those on the injured list include starting quarterback Elijah Sindelar and Rondale Moore Jr.

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Despite their 4-8 record, the offense was not terrible. They were able to move the ball through the air fairly well. However, the running game was one of the worst in the country. That was due in part to an offensive line that was banged up. They also did not have a dynamic running back.

Tirek Murphy checks that box. He’s a perfect fit for Jeff Brohm’s offense. Murphy can do it all offensively. He is physical and large enough — 220 pounds — to run between the tackles and fast enough to run on the perimeter.

Murphy does not go down on initial contact and it takes more than one defender to bring him to the turf. You love the fact that he runs angry. He will initiate contact at times and he’s a competent blocker in pass protection but needs to improve in that area.

Murphy can be a player in the passing game as well. Not only can he swing out of the backfield, but he can motion out wide or line up in the slot. His versatility instantly makes Purdue’s offense dangerous.