[2024] Purdue Offensive Tackle Room Breakdown

[BabaYaga]

A few years ago, Purdue had one of the top offensive lines in the entire country. After graduating four seniors two years ago, it has been a slow rebuild back up. Coach BabaYaga knew that he needed an influx of talent at the tackle position and was able to bring in three blue chip players to bolster the future of the rotation. 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 10 OT's on the roster and three of them are blue chip prospects. All three blue chips are freshmen.

Returning Players
Ramon Pouncey - 2* (SR) - B+
Jalen Stephens - 2* SR - B-
Matt Lewis - 3* (JR) - A-
Troymaine Norwood - 1* JR - C-
Brandon Douglas - 3* (SO) - B-
John Gross - 3* SO - C
Walter Ison - 3* SO - C

Incoming Players
Michael Chen - 5* FR - B
Juan Camacho - 4* FR - C
William Weinstein - 4* FR - C

2023 Season Stats
Lewis - 5 sacks allowed

Purdue OT Room Breakdown

Projected starters: Ramon Pouncey and Matt Lewis - Pouncey and Lewis are your likely starters this year as Pouncey has improved quite a bit over the past few years. He is a two star A- overall player who will likely bolster the right side of the line. Lewis might have been a bit over his head last year starting at the left tackle spot...but it only made him better and he improved a ton over the offseason as an A potential. Look for Lewis to be a main cog on the line for two years.

One to Watch: Brandon Douglas - Douglas is another high potential player on the line for Purdue and he's an A potential as well. Look for him to get some rotational minutes and if either of these guards struggle, he could be moved into a starting spot.

Darkhorse: Michael Chen - Chen, the heralded freshman, is a very good pass blocker already and based on film likely comes in as the 3rd best tackle on the squad. Depending on how Purdue wants to handle his development, he could find a spot on the line from Day 1.

Redshirt Candidate: Juan Camacho - Camacho is in line for a redshirt season this year. He has a high ceiling and will be a multi year starter for Purdue...but just needs a bit of refinement before he finds time on the offensive line.

Notes on others:
Jalen Stephens - Stephens is a potential redshirt candidate as a senior. He would likely be a depth piece as a redshirt senior, but not a guy you'd be afraid to have out there as a 3rd string tackle.
Troymaine Norwood - Norwood is deep depth at this position. The former walk-on is enjoying his time in engineering.
John Gross - Gross is a candidate to be bumped inside to OG this year but is deep depth for now.
Walter Ison - Ison is a candidate to be bumped inside to OG this year but is deep depth for now.
William Weinstein - Weinstein is a blue chip offensive tackle who Purdue brought in this past year. He might be redshirted but could be potentially moved to his HS position of center.

Purdue OT Room Future Outlook
The OT room outlook for Purdue is good to great. They have a pair of tackles in Chen and Camacho for the future and Chen should be a four year starter for the group. This year, despite starting a 2* and 3*, they should have a solid crew of tackles with good pass blocking attributes. If Chen redshirts, he'll immediately assume the starting left tackle spot for the rest of his career. Camacho has a chance to progress pretty well with B+ potential and barring something drastic...Chen and Camacho should be your starting tackles in 2026, 2027, and 2028. Look for Purdue to pick up some depth guys for the next few years but this room is looking fairly solid with some high potential players.

Edited March 8 by BabaYaga