Purdue football: 3 way-too-early breakout candidates for 2022
With returning starters on both sides of the ball, here are three way-too-early Purdue football breakout candidates to keep an eye on in 2022.
Following the Boilermakers’ impressive 2021 season — one in which head coach Jeff Brohm would set a new standard for Purdue football — the Black and Gold now look to repeat their success in 2022.
With many returning starters on both sides of the ball and some exciting new additions, here are three way-too-early breakout candidates to keep an eye on in 2022.
3. Reese Taylor
Purdue fans need to keep an eye Reese Taylor. Heading into his fifth season at the collegiate level, Taylor is a first-year Boilermaker after starting his career at Purdue’s rival — Indiana University.
A former three-star recruit, Taylor was ranked as the No. 7 overall player in Indiana in the class of 2018 by 247Sports and could quickly become a crucial player in the Boilermakers’ defense heading into 2022. In 2021 Purdue’s secondary ranked 33rd in passing yards allowed, the sixth-best pass defense in the Big Ten. With another critical role player being added, Taylor will likely step in as nickel back, addressing yet another one of Purdue’s defensive needs.
At Indiana, Taylor was used in both offensive and defensive roles. Though Taylor has not seen any offensive action since 2018, the super-senior could quickly return to his offensive roots if needed.
As for Purdue’s role for him, the Boilermakers will gratefully accept as many all-around athletes as they can get their hands on. Taylor also returned punts and kick-offs throughout all four seasons with the Hoosiers.
On defense, Taylor recorded two sacks, two interceptions, 65 solo tackles, and forced one fumble during his time with the Hoosiers. Taylor has 83 rushing yards and 174 receiving yards with no touchdowns as an offensive skill player.
Taylor’s versatile style of play and experience combined with his knowledge of the Big Ten conference and the Boilermakers’ rivalry with Indiana are all additions that should excite Purdue fans heading into spring ball.