Purdue Football: Top 3 breakout candidates for Boilermakers in 2021

This list is obvious. Programs like Purdue football, however, need two things from its starters, health and all-conference level play. One of the reasons the Boilermakers have struggled winning games is because of health.

Purdue has sustained injuries along the offensive line, quarterback, and defense. It is difficult for most programs to overcome those injuries. For programs like the Boilermakers, they do not have the talent depth to overcome the injuries sustained over the last couple of seasons.

This season, Purdue came out of spring practice relatively healthy and ready for summer camp. Head coach Jeff Brohm and his staff look to get back to the postseason for the first time in two seasons. To do this, they need their stars to show up and stay healthy.

Jack Plummer looks like the starting quarterback heading into the season. However, the quarterback is one position that has good depth. If Plummer gets injured, Aidan O’Connell can step in and run the offense.

Plummer is the better playmaker, but the offense can run with O’Connell behind center. Of course, none of this matters if the offensive line can’t stay healthy. That has been the issue at Purdue. A healthy offensive line could be a difference-maker.

Here are three players Purdue needs to have a breakout season.