Goldandblack.com Video: Ryan Walters, Week Zero

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Classes began in West Lafayette on Monday. And it’s week zero of the college football season. What does it all mean? Purdue is approaching game mode after nearly three weeks of training camp.

“Fine-tuning details, consolidating places in the squad, staying healthy and still preparing the body for a live competition,” said Ryan Walters when asked what was on the agenda this week.

How realistic is the 2024 season? Purdue begins preparations tomorrow, August 31, for Indiana State, its opponent in week one.

Walters has had a lot to do since training camp began on July 31, putting together countless new pieces to his team’s puzzle, with most of the work coming from the offensive line and receivers. In total, Purdue has brought in 19 players from the portal and three JC transfers, as well as 23 rookies. Add it all up, and that’s 45 new players.

“We are much stronger than we were a year ago,” said Walters, who wants to be even better after a 4-8 debut. “We have obviously taken care of the needs we had a year ago.”

Did the offense or the defense have the edge during the preseason preparations?

“I don’t know,” Walters said. “There was a good back and forth. That’s what I liked, when both sides were playing, it was competitive games. So the guys are where they’re supposed to be when they’re supposed to be there, and it’s just a matter of who wins their one-on-one matchup. So, I don’t know. It really depends on the day or the situation. There was a good back and forth all camp long.”

Serious injuries were not a major problem. CB Nyland Green (foot) and WR CJ Smith (hamstring) will miss the opener, but the Georgia transfers are expected back after an off week for the second game against Notre Dame on Sept. 14 at Ross-Ade Stadium. Several players have been in and out of practice due to injuries, but Walters expects to have a nearly full roster for the opener.

“I love (the week two off) now because of some little injuries we’ve had,” Walters said. “Obviously when it came out I was like, ‘Damn, I wish we would just keep playing.’ But some of the soft tissue injuries we’ve had, some of the guys that are just banged up, having that extra week before we go into the season high is beneficial.”

Today, Purdue welcomed back two wideouts who had been out for a long time: Kam Brown And Jayden Dixon-Veal. In fact, Brown has missed almost all of camp, although he caught a few passes on the sidelines on Friday. Purdue also saw Kyndrich Breedlove on the field today. The transfer from Colorado is expected to play a key role as a “star” in the starting lineup.

“It’s just good to have (Breedlove) here healthy and get him used to covering, communicating and playing fast again,” Walters said. “So obviously we wanted to take our time getting him back into practice, just to make sure we don’t have to deal with little injuries all season. He looked good today. He looked like he had fresh legs. I’m glad he’s here.”

Purdue will practice tomorrow and Thursday before having Friday off.

“I’m happy with the atmosphere in the locker room and the acceptance,” said Walters. “I’m looking forward to going and playing.”