Day 3 from Camp Hope

I've read the J&C and GBI over the last few days along with the help of purduebuzztap on Twitter in an effort to glean info, perhaps connect a few dots and assess the state of Hope's team just days into his tenure as head coach...Here's what I've gathered thus far:

-Lack of crisp play is a theme, now. I think we all knew it was going to happen...but let's hope this doesn't continue. Whether it's over-zealous receivers dropping passes, a ton of guys throwing up on the brand-new turf, RB/QBs struggling with exchanges or minor fights breaking out, this team is clearly going through growing pains. Hopefully these frustrating drills in the early stages of the season lead to a team that play with purpose when it counts.

-I'm bothered by this, but it seems Purdue's morale-leader might not be on the field as often as many had hoped and is still far-from-confident in his surgically-repaired knee. Hope has been slow to speak glowingly on Jaycen Taylor's progress and today came right out and mentioned Taylor's importance to special teams and his role in specific situations. The good news is, from everything I hear from players, Taylor will be nothing but positive as he helps Bolden, McBurse and others prepare for more carries as he tries to get himself back to being confident in his lower body. More telling that Hopes words, or lack thereof are those of Taylor when he talks to the press.

-Jason Werner is still not completely-confident in his oft-injured back...but, he's practicing with the ones. I'll admit it as I have before- I love this guy...and have talked to him on multiple occasions, so I'm rooting hard for his success and even moreso for his health in the long-term. I'm glad he's not pushing through the little tweaks and tightening and is coming back slowly. I hope and pray he makes it through this season healthy and in a football uniform. Much like Taylor, the young guys on the team will greatly benefit from Werner's leadership on the field and on the sidelines.

-While Keith Carlos may be wearing #1 this season, it looks to me like he won't even be a starter at WR. Granted, we haven't seen the new receivers in a scrimmage situation yet, but if the head coach likes someone, they'll probably end up on the field...The guy that Hope continually showers with compliments is Antavian Edison. While there is no official depth chart that has been published, he's a "one" at this point.

Taylor on the mend...commentary

GBI reported today that Jaycen Taylor had a second knee surgery in April to get his healing back on track following a torn ACL last fall. I'm glad to hear he's more positive about what's going on because he wasn't jumping for joy at the spring game.

I had the chance to talk to him a bit during community day, and he was apprehensive, to say the least, at that point. And from what I hear, he's a guy who's always positive...and we already know that he's tough as nails.

I wish he could be afforded another redshirt, but this is his last season as a Purdue football player, I believe because of JuCo rules. And while Taylor seems more positive in his outlook, I am not. Not because I doubt him in any way, but because it's just so difficult to gain confidence in a surgically-repaired knee that quickly.

Case in point- Ralph Bolden. Last season when we saw him play, he looked like he wasn't that quick and ran without attacking. Granted, he was a Freshman and Taylor's got a lot of experience. But, if you saw Bolden in the spring, you can see the difference- his first step is resolute, he's attacking holes and looks like the guy that Purdue recruited.

The good news is with ATM, Halliburton and Bolden in front of him, perhaps Taylor can take his time getting back into the rotation. Maybe he can play a third of the downs, or less in the first 3 games or so until he gets up to speed. Regardless of how much is asked for him, it'll be a boost to his fellow RBs to have him daily in practice and it will help the entire team to have his outlook and personality on the road. 100% or not, I'm looking forward to Taylor back in uniform...hopefully he doesn't rush himself into action like he did (successfully, mind you) with a broken arm two seasons ago.