Transfers highlight Purdue's first five spring practices

WEST LAFAYETTE – Five spring practices are complete.

Now, it’s time for Purdue to take a break from spring practices, which will resume Monday, March 21.

Five things we’ve learned through the first part of spring ball:

STANDOUT NEWCOMER

It’s easy to notice Iowa transfer receiver Tyrone Tracy, who features a lot of speed and plenty of versatility. However, Tracy has showcased most of his athletic ability at running back.

The Boilermakers are short on numbers in the backfield. King Doerue is taking a lot of snaps, but Dylan Downing is out with an injury and Indiana transfer Sampson James has participated in at least one practice. Walk-on Devon Mockobee is also part of the rotation.

Tracy could factor into what coach Jeff Brohm does at the running back position during the 2022 season.

“He’s going to be doing multiple things for us,” Brohm said. “We have to get him up to speed in what we're running. He's a strong veteran player that wants touches and we want to try to give him some touches.”

Tracy certainly has the skill set to provide an offensive spark. He was named Indiana's Gatorade Player of the Year after a stellar senior season at Decatur Central where he played receiver, running back and defensive back.

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Tracy has at least one connection to the Lafayette area. Brian Nay, who is Central Catholic’s head coach, was on Decatur Central’s staff when Tracy played for the Hawks. Nay attended the first day of spring practice and gave Tracy a hug.

PLENTY OF DEPTH

Although a handful of players are out, the defensive line has plenty of bodies for Mark Hagen to rotate in and out. As of now, that group should be a strength for the defense heading into the upcoming season.

“They’ve gotten a lot of repetitions,” Brohm said. “I think we've got much more depth there than maybe we had in the past. We just have to have a couple of guys emerge as playmakers and difference-makers.”

TAYLOR SHINES

Another newcomer – Reese Taylor – has been active at cornerback.

Taylor is a transfer from Indiana and has demonstrated he belongs in the rotation. Granted, the secondary is banged up right now with Cory Trice and Jamari Brown out after recovering from injuries, creating opportunities.

“He’s strong. He’s got instincts, he's been breaking on balls and making plays and that’s been great to see,” Brohm said.

ODD COUPLE

Maybe Joe Strickland and Brady Allen aren’t Oscar and Felix from the 1970s TV show, but the two freshmen roommates are settling in on and off the field.

They’ve already established roles in the apartment.

“I have to remind him to take out the trash sometimes,” Strickland said. “I do the dishes. He takes out the trash. That’s our plan.”

They were on opposite sides during the Class 3A state championship game when Gibson Southern knocked off Brebeuf. Allen played quarterback for the Titans; Strickland was a defensive end of the Braves.

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Allen and his high school teammates received their championship rings last month and Allen made sure Strickland noticed his bling. But Strickland has placed a daily reminder on the refrigerator – a picture of him sacking Allen in the end zone for a safety in the title game at Lucas Oil Stadium.

“It’s right on the door when you open it,” Strickland said.

While it’s expected Allen will redshirt this season, he’s still competing for the backup spot behind Aidan O’Connell. Strickland could see early playing time, but it depends on his development through the spring and summer.

“Joe has certainly flashed so far,” Hagen said. “He’s got a good skill set. He’s showed up at times, rushing the quarterback.”

Hagen, though, isn’t ready to anoint anyone after only four or five practices. There’s still plenty of work ahead.

“The most important thing is they’ve all worked hard,” Hagen said. “They’ve bought into what we’re doing. This is a different place than they’re all used to.”

SCRIMMAGE WORK

Wednesday was Purdue’s first scrimmage, which lasted about 30 plays. Brohm plans to conduct a couple more before the April 9 spring game at Ross-Ade Stadium.

“It was good to see a couple of guys run, hit, tackle and block in game-like situations,” Brohm said. “We want to get out of here healthy.”

With at least nine projected starters sidelined this spring, Brohm won’t go all out during scrimmages but will do enough to gauge his team's progress.

“I’m very conscious of the numbers we have,” he said. “When we go live scrimmaging, it probably will not be our veteran guys to a certain extent, even though some will. We’ve got to make sure that we don’t lose anybody."

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 spring practice | What we learned after five practices