#59 Purdue Football 2012 Preview

Purdue got a nice gift when defensive tackle Kawann Short opted to return to West Lafayette, Indiana for his senior season. As a junior last year he tallied 54 tackles, 10.5 tackles-for-loss and 6.5 sacks. Short will lead the defensive effort up front, but he will have help from junior tackle Bruce Gaston. Defensive end Ryan Russell had a very promising freshman campaign and could be the pass rushing threat the Boilermakers need on the edge.

2011 Record: (7-6, 4-4)
2011 Bowl: Little Caesars Bowl vs. Western Michigan (W 37-32)
Coach: Danny Hope (16-21 at Purdue, 51-43 overall)
Offensive Coordinator: Gary Nord
Defensive Coordinator: Tim Tibesar

Returning Leaders:
Rushing: Ralph Bolden, RB, 674 yards
Passing: Caleb TerBush, QB, 1,905 yards
Receiving: Antavian Edison, WR, 584 yards
Tackles: Dwayne Beckford, LB, 91
Sacks: Kawann Short, DT, 6.5
Interceptions: Ricardo Allen, CB, 3

Other Key Returnees: S Max Charlot, G Peters Drey, OT Trevor Foy, CB Josh Johnson, LB Will Lucas, QB Robert Marve, WR O.J. Ross, DE Ryan Russell, RB Akeem Shavers, C Rick Schmeig

Key Losses: S Albert Evans, DE Gerald Gooden, LB Joe Holland, S Logan Link, WR Justin Siller, K Carson Wiggs

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