GoldandBlack.com Purdue player draft: No. 31 overall
This summer, the Boilermakers are being divided.
Reporters Stacy Clardie and Kyle Charters are going head-to-head in GoldandBlack.com's Purdue player draft, a daily selection in which separate rosters of 25 are being assembled. In late July, we'll decide — based on GoldandBlack.com staff and member feedback — which team would win.
Clardie starts a new week with Pick No. 31.
So, technically, there are a couple starters left on our board for the “real” Purdue team come fall — a cornerback and a defensive end. The problem? We have no idea who that cornerback opposite Da’Wan Hunte is going to be when the Boilermakers start training camp Aug. 3, let alone for the season opener a month later.
But what we do have a good idea about is who will be the starting defensive end, opposite Evan Panfil, at least based off spring ball. With the way Randy Melvin charts everything and essentially does a score card for those guys, it’d seem pretty clear Austin Larkin will be with the 1s when camp opens.
And I just happen to need a defensive end.
So getting a projected starter at Pick No. 31 seems like it could be a steal, no?
Even if it wasn’t evident to all observers watching this spring — I say “all” and mean “me” — just what made Larkin secure that starting spot by the end of practices, with such a strict scoring system, he obviously earned it based on production, effort and following assignments.
Larkin doesn’t seem overwhelmingly athletic or physical, but perhaps his best trait right now is reliability. Melvin thinks Larkin has a high ceiling, starting with the simple ability to do his job and follow his assignments consistently. With that down, perhaps Larkin will start to be more explosive and make more plays once the season rolls around.
I like having a guy who’ll be steady and can be counted on up front for my defense. Larkin seems to fit that description.
Draft ticker: 1-30
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