Tracking Purdue's defense: Linebacker Jacob Wahlberg's patience rewarded
WEST LAFAYETTE – Tracking Purdue’s defense after five games and heading into Saturday’s matchup against Maryland at SECU Stadium:
ONE TAKEAWAY
Before this season, Jacob Wahlberg’s career consisted of 14 games and a handful of tackles.
He arrived in West Lafayette in 2019, played in four games but didn’t see action the next season. Last year, the 6-foot-4 middle linebacker appeared in 10 games, mostly on special teams, and patiently waited for an opportunity to join the defense.
He was involved in limited action on defense but did deliver a pair of tackles and an interception against Indiana to end the regular season. And now, Wahlberg is in the middle of Purdue’s defense making plays.
It started against Florida Atlantic when the native of Muskegon, Mich., forced a fumble on fourth down on the Owls’ last possession, securing the two-point win. At Minnesota, Wahlberg intercepted a tipped pass by end Jack Sullivan to stop a Golden Gophers drive at midfield in the first quarter.
“He has good instincts,” coach Jeff Brohm said. “He's got good length. He has uncanny athleticism when it comes to just catching the ball and having a knack for getting your hands up and getting in the lane.”
Back-to-back games with a role in forcing takeaways represent a good sign.
“Just trying to do my job,” said Wahlberg, who had a team-high seven tackles against FAU and collected four against Minnesota. “The coaches prepared us well and you’ve got to stick to the process and you hope when your time gets called you execute.”
Wahlberg’s increased playing time is due to Jalen Graham’s absence and linebacker Kieren Douglas dealing with a knee issue. Brohm is “hopeful” Graham returns this week to face the speedy and pass-happy Terrapins, giving the defense another athletic presence.
“He’s a great teammate,” Wahlberg said of Graham. “He’s always around at practice making sure guys are in the right spot and doing what they’ve got to do and executing their jobs. A lot of guys have moved around due to his injury and he’s doing a great job making sure everyone knows what to do.”
Wahlberg has transformed his body since arriving on campus, increasing his strength to handle the responsibilities of playing middle linebacker. Brohm initially considered Wahlberg as a defensive end but opted to keep him at linebacker.
“He's a bigger young man than when we brought him here,” Brohm said. “He got hurt his first couple years. Seemed like he always had an injury that kept him out.
“Because he gives great effort, he overcomes - maybe he's not the fastest linebacker in the world - but he'll tackle, he'll hit, he's coachable, and I think he's done a really good job.”
The long wait to see extended playing time has been worth it to Wahlberg.
“Just sticking with the process and trusting your coaches and staff and going one day at a time and getting 1% better,” he said.
TRENDING UP
Ground game: The Boilermakers have yet to allow a 100-yard rusher through the first five games.
Big plays: Purdue has given up one rushing play of 20 or more yards.
TRENDING DOWN
Missed tackles: Improved a little last week but still too many in the open field, leading to additional and unnecessary yardage. Minnesota generated 60% of its passing yardage after the catch last week.
Late TDs: Opponents have scored eight of their 13 touchdowns after halftime.
3 QUESTIONS
▶ Is Graham ready to return Saturday? The defense could use him against the Terrapins.
▶ How much pressure can the defensive line bring against quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa?
▶ Will the coaching staff continue to rotate more bodies in the secondary?
LOOKING AHEAD
Maryland is probably the most dynamic and versatile offense the Boilermakers will see this season. No other team on the schedule features the options at receiver, an experienced offensive line, the speed at the running back position and led by a talented quarterback. Keeping this group under control is a major task. The Terrapins have scored at least 27 points and generated nearly 400 yards in the first five games. That’s the baseline. Purdue will have to defend and tackle well in space and try to knock Tagovailoa off his spot in the backfield. But Maryland did rush for 175 yards against Michigan State last week and focusing solely on the pass would be a mistake. The secondary, in particular cornerback Cory Trice, took a step forward in the win at Minnesota and needs to carry that momentum to this game. If the Boilermakers can force some turnovers, that would go a long way in keeping Maryland under wraps. The offense can help the defense with long drives that end with touchdowns and also take advantage of every scoring opportunity to keep up with the Terrapins.
Mike Carmin covers Purdue sports for the Journal & Courier and USA Today Sports Network. Email mcarmin@gannett.com and follow on Twitter and Instagram @carmin_jc
Purdue (3-2, 1-1) at Maryland (4-1, 1-1)
Saturday
Time: Noon
TV: BTN
Radio: WAZY (96.5)
This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: Tracking Purdue football defense: Linebacker Jacob Wahlberg's patience rewarded
