There are plenty of candidates here, but who could it be?
The Purdue offense in 2023 can best be described as… stagnant.
There were moments when Card was protected and healthy that the Boilermaker offense looked consistent, then the next week it seemingly would fall apart. Part of that problem, as previously mentioned was the injuries to Hudson Card, the other problem was the lack of playmakers at Wide Receiver.
After working the portal and injured players coming back, there is plenty of talent at wide receiver now and God willing, that will provide more consistency for this Purdue Offense that wants to throw the ball all over.
The return of Devin Mockobee, Hudson Card, and Gus Hartwig should set the stage for a solid offensive season, but who could be the breakout players this fall?
- Jahmal Edrine – Wide Receiver, Junior (RS), Coming off of a Knee Injury
Edrine was supposed to be the man on the outside for the 2023 season, but a knee injury in camp last season derailed his first year at Purdue. Now, after months of rehab and a successful summer, Edrine is poised to be the number-one receiver for Hudson Card. Having a dominant outside wide receiver is something Purdue severely lacked last year, when crap hit the fan, there was not that one guy you knew Purdue would try to get the ball to, Edrine could and should be that guy.
- Andrew Sowinski – Wide Receiver (Slot), Senior (RS)
Sowinski, who was once a walk-on, has been one of the more reliable players on the offensive side of the ball, now he is poised to be Mr. Reliable in the slot. Sowinski seemingly sneaks around and just finds holes in the defense to show availability for Card.
- George Burhenn – Tight End, Sophomore
Burhenn showed flashes during the 2023 season, playing plenty of snaps as a true freshman, before battling injuries. Now, Burhenn will compete with Max Klare as the top tight end of the Boilermakers. Burhenn, who I think is a better receiver than Klare has put some weight on and will improve as a blocker as well, expect Purdue to use both, but I give Burhenn the nod as the more productive player for the year.