Plenty of options on Purdue football roster to fill opening at safety

WEST LAFAYETTE – With projected starting safety Marvin Grant off to Kansas after entering the transfer portal, who takes over in the secondary?

Purdue still has starter Cam Allen returning, an experienced and hard-hitting safety that continues to make plays and is improving with each season. Coach Jeff Brohm added depth to the secondary – not just at the safety position – with transfers during the offseason.

A look at the options:

Chris Jefferson

Played primarily the nickel position last season after transferring in from Findlay (Ohio), a Division II program. Held up in coverage and was strong against the run. It’s not impossible to see Jefferson taking on a bigger role this season.

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He was active in the Music City Bowl victory over Tennessee, collecting 15 tackles. He had one interception during the regular season.

“Chris Jefferson played well at nickel and can play safety,” Brohm said.

Bryce Hampton

The transfer from Adams State in Colorado, a Division II program, was brought in to add depth at cornerback but can slide over to the safety position. He played well during spring practice when the workouts were open. Hampton could play both since Cory Trice is returning at cornerback after missing most of last season with injuries (ankle and knee).

Sanoussi Kane

Was thrown into the deep end in the bowl game when now-departed Dedrick Mackey was academically ineligible. Kane came to the program as a safety and has worked at the position during his career. However, Brohm revealed after the spring game that Kane underwent hip surgery in early April and might not be ready for preseason practices in August.

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“We’ve improved in the defensive backfield but there are guys who have to prove themselves,” Brohm said. “Last year we did improve against the pass, but we have to continue to build on that.”

Don’t look for Jalen Graham to make a return to safety, at least on a full-time basis.

Graham came to Purdue as a safety but moved to outside linebacker where he put together a solid season last year. He’s the top playmaker on the defense and fits at a variety of positions.

“We’re going to need him to play at a high level,” Brohm said. “He’s basically going to play the same position - nickel, outside linebacker, drop-down safety – whatever we need him to do.

“We want to train him to play a lot of different spots in case some things happen. We crossed trained a few guys and at least they were ready in case of injuries. It paid off. We’ll use his versatility but keep him in that same spot because he did an outstanding job.”

The cornerback position should have quality starters and enough depth.

Trice is expected to start and Jamari Brown, a transfer from Kentucky prior to the 2021 season, gained enough experience last season to stay in the mix. But the Boilermakers also added Reese Taylor, who played at Indiana, and the Ben Davis graduate looks to be a factor. Purdue also brought in Tee Denson, who transferred from Kansas State but missed spring practice.

Mike Carmin covers Purdue sports for the Journal & Courier. Email mcarmin@gannett.com and follow on Twitter and Instagram @carmin_jc

This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: Purdue football: Plenty of options on roster to fill opening on roster