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Purdue football: 3 way-too-early breakout candidates for 2022

By Christopher Mangum

WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - SEPTEMBER 04: Broc Thompson #29 of the Purdue Boilermakers runs the ball during the game against the Oregon State Beavers at Ross-Ade Stadium on September 4, 2021 in West Lafayette, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - SEPTEMBER 04: Broc Thompson #29 of the Purdue Boilermakers runs the ball during the game against the Oregon State Beavers at Ross-Ade Stadium on September 4, 2021 in West Lafayette, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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SOUTH BEND, IN – SEPTEMBER 18: Broc Thompson #29 of the Purdue Boilermakers is seen before the game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Notre Dame Stadium on September 18, 2021 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
SOUTH BEND, IN – SEPTEMBER 18: Broc Thompson #29 of the Purdue Boilermakers is seen before the game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Notre Dame Stadium on September 18, 2021 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

2. Broc Thomson

During the 2021 season, one name that became synonymous with Purdue’s offense was former Boilermaker wide receiver David Bell. In 2021 alone, Bell caught 93 passes for nearly 1,300 yards and six touchdowns. Following the Boilermakers’ 9-4 campaign last season, Bell declared for the 2022 NFL draft, leaving room for a new WR1 in the coming season.

The next great Boiler wideout could very well be Broc Thompson, who could have been considered to be Purdue football’s next best option at receiver last season. In 2021, Thompson caught 30 passes for 457 yards and four touchdowns — 217 yards and two touchdowns of which came during the Boilermakers’ Music City Bowl win over Tennessee.

With a big hole to fill on offense, Thompson provides the experience that gives Purdue their best bet at receiver if he can stay healthy. After Purdue’s bowl win, Thompson will be receiving knee surgery before the start of next season — the surgery is not just for one knee, but both. This will raise some eyebrows heading into the coming season, though the toughness and passion for football are on full display as he played through injuries leading up to his surgery.

Thompson may be the Boilermakers’ next star wideout and one of the top targets for sixth-year senior Aidan O’Connell if healthy.

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