Slow progress for Purdue receivers – Journal and Courier

Freshman wide receiver DJ Edwards follows the ball as passing game coordinator/wide receivers coach JaMarcus Shephard tries to distract him during spring football practice Wednesday, March 8, 2017, in the Mollenkopf Athletic Center.(Photo: John Terhune/Journal & Courier)Buy Photo

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. The inexperience showsin route running.

The youth shows in attention to details.

The lack of playmakers shows in the limited big plays.

The inability to concentrate shows in the high number of dropped passes.

This is Purdues receiving group at spring practice. This isnt a surprise. The Boilermakers lost a bulk of theirproduction and leadership from last years team, forcing younger players to become veterans in a hurry.

Progress is coming slowly, especially Monday, the first practice after spring break.

I didnt think today was one of our better days, first-year coach Jeff Brohm said. When our kids are fresh and feeling good, I think we can be OK. Today we got tired and we didnt do near as well as I wouldve liked. We have to push through it.

It also doesnt help when players arent practicing.

Freshman DJ Edwards, who enrolled in January, suffered a hamstring injury during the March 8 scrimmage. The Florida native was on the sidelines for most of Mondays practice.

The 6-foot-2 Edwards doesnt see the injury as a long-term issue.

I couldve gone today but they told me to sit out, he said. I dont think its major. Its just a little tweak. I cant get to the top speed how I want to.

Sophomore Terrance Landers saw limited playing timelast season and was expected to receive a look from the new coaching staff to see if the Dayton, Ohio native could contribute.

However, Landers was absent from Mondays workout.

First-year coach Jeff Brohm evaluates the first day of practice after spring break. Still a lot of work ahead for the Boilermakers Mike Carmin/Journal and Courier

Theres some things in the classroom he has to get cleaned up and we hope to get him out here as soon as we can, Brohm said.

Another newcomer freshman Tyler Hamilton is being evaluated to see where he fits into Brohms offense. Gregory Phillips, who made 17 receptions last season, along with Benaiah Franklin, Anthony Mahoungou and Jackson Anthrop are among other players getting as many repetitions as possible.

But is the competition currently in place to force the group to raise their level of play?

Regardless, a high standard exists in coach JaMarcus Shephards world.

These guys are quickly learning that excuses are not something that will be tolerated, the energetic Shephard said. Its something that were going to have as an expectation of what youre going to do as a football player on this football team. Youre going to do it.

On the surface, Edwards would appear to give Brohm and his coaching staff a viable option. In a short sample size, Edwards brings quickness, possesses a deep threat and the ability to turn short passes into big gains.

Hes going to be a very good player for us eventually, Brohm said. Hes a young freshman who needs to add a lot of strength and endurance. He broke down on us. I thought he would be back by today but hes not. Weve got a ways to go with him.

The Boilermakers don't have a lot of experience at the receiver position. How is the group progressing after six spring practices? Mike Carmin/Journal and Courier

For Edwards, his biggest challenges may come off the field.

Hes only been in college since second-semester classes started two months ago and hes learning theres a higher expectation level compared to his time at Palm Beach Lakes High School in West Palm Beach.

Its been good, he said. I have my days when Im not in the mood. Im not in high school anymore. Its not so much you do what you want to do you do what youre told to do. I either get with it or get out and I cant go home.

Contact Journal & Courier sports reporter Mike Carmin at mcarmin@jconline.com. Follow him on Twitter: @carmin_jc

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Slow progress for Purdue receivers - Journal and Courier