[2024] Purdue Wide Receiver Room Breakdown

[BabaYaga]

For the first time in the history of the sim, Purdue has multiple wide receivers that could be considered good. After a porous first three years of talent in the wideout corps, with no one over a B+ overall in three years, Purdue will see a bit of talent shine through in their WR room as they finally have an A- or better wideout - and there are two of them! There is quite a bit of potential in this group and the future for Purdue looks bright. Below, we will take a look at who could be in line to start as we head into the spring, the projected starters right now, and a look at the depth that Purdue has in the room. Purdue has 11 WR's on the roster and six of them are blue chip prospects. All six of the blue chips are underclassmen with five of them being freshmen.

Returning Players
Greg Poggi - 2* (SR) - A-
John Rosenthal - 3* SR - A-
Darius Molina - 2* SR - B-
Kerryon Bass - 2* JR - C
Da'Norris Valdes - 3* (SO) - B-
Ross Moscoso - 4* (SO) - B-
James Harris - 4* (FR) - B
Cameron Green - 4* (FR) - B
James Reinhard - 4* (FR) - C

Incoming Players
Jose Perez - 4* FR - B
Jesus Montijo - 4* FR - B

2023 Season Stats
Rosenthal - 62 catches, 770 yards, 2 TD
Poggi - 16 catches, 199 yards, TD

Purdue WR Room Breakdown

Projected starters: Greg Poggi/John Rosenthal - Poggi and Rosenthal were actually the only two wideouts who caught passes for the Boilermakers last year. Purdue utilized their TE's and RB's heavily in the passing game and so Purdue actually returns 100% of their production at the WR spot. Rosenthal had a pretty good year as the WR2 last year and Poggi was in the game for four wideout sets. Despite the difference in stats last year, look for Poggi to likely begin the year as the WR1 and Rosenthal to occupy that WR2 spot.

One to Watch: James Harris - Harris is just one of many highly touted Purdue freshman blue chip players and the word around the program is that he might see quite a bit of action this year. He's very raw as a pass catcher but had a good redshirt year this past season. The Purdue brass might want to get him out there to help his development along quickly.

Darkhorse: Cameron Green - Green is another freshman who might see some action this season. He's a decent pass catcher but has quite a bit of upside. Green is known as a route technician and should be a player who can play in the slot extremely well.

Redshirt Candidate: Jose Perez and Jesus Montijo - Perez and Montijo both look to be prime candidates for redshirts this year. Montijo and Perez are both B overall freshman who won't want to burn a year of eligibility buried on the depth chart with so much traffic ahead of them.

Notes on others:
Da'Norris Valdes - Valdes is a strong receiver who will provide value for Purdue down the line. He has a high ceiling and will provide value as a rotational 4th wideout this year.
Ross Moscoso - Moscoso is a former four star who just hasn't put it together yet. He will have his chances this season as he will find the field.
Darius Molina - Molina is very similar to both Valdes and Moscoso, but as a true senior, Purdue will likely look to provide more playing time to the two underclassmen.
James Reinhard - Reinhard is still a bit away after his redshirt season. Look for Reinhard to provide some impact on special teams this year before looking to crack the rotation in 2025.
Kerryon Bass - Bass is not projected to log any meaningful minutes this year. The junior from Illinois has improved quite a bit but understands his role as a leader in the room.

Purdue WR Room Future Outlook
The WR room outlook for Purdue is good to great. With six blue chip underclassmen, it is likely that a few will develop and become big contributors. With six freshman B overalls, the room is strong and should only become stronger in the next few years. Rosenthal and Poggi will spearhead the WR room this season and additional development for the Purdue underclassmen will be big going forward. I would expect a drop off in talent for 2025, but this room is looking very solid for 2026, 2027, and 2028. The Boilers knew they needed an overhaul in the WR room - and they made it happen in two years.

Edited March 7 by BabaYaga