28 days until kickoff and Addai Lewellen might return it for a touchdown.
Addai Lewellen – RS Sophomore
Royal Center, IN (Pioneer High School)
Running Back
5’8”, 181
2023 Projection: Special Teams / Deep Depth
I wrote this article last season. I’m going to quote myself.
“Lewellen, born in the African country of Liberia, was adopted along with his twin brother ELzra, by the Lewellen family at 5 years old. Addai, named after former Colt Joseph Addai was the bowling ball and Ezra was the big play back at Pioneer High School. They also anchored the Pioneer defense from the secondary.
Addai and Ezra both matriculated to Purdue to play sports. Ezra is a sprinter on the track team and Addai represents the dynamic duo on the grid iron as a walk-on running back. He red shirted as a freshman but did manage one carry for 7 yards against LSU. As far as I’m concerned, Purdue has a red shirt freshman running back averaging a robust 7 yards a carry.”
It appears I was attempting to stretch out my vocabulary when I wrote this last season, but everything above is still correct, other than the 7 yards per carry thing. Addai had 1 carry last season against Ohio State and lost 2 yards, dropping his career average to 2.5 yards a carry.
Heading into his third season in the program, Lewellen has a legit shot to see the field this season. Purdue lacks a true third down back, granted Mockobee and Love are both capable 3 down backs, but Addai brings something a little different to the game with his ability to hit the gas. Pass protection will always be a question, but after gaining 10+ pounds this offseason, he’s better equipped to dive at the ankles of an oncoming pass rusher should the need arise.
Even if he doesn’t find his way onto the field as a running back, he could possible contribute as either a kick returner or a punt returner. Purdue brought in a bevy of skill position players with return capabilities, but Addai will get a shot to show off his return ability in camp. I understand wanting the have the best possible player returning kicks, but I think having a return specialist has some distinct advantages. If Purdue goes the return specialist route, Lewellen would be the favorite.