Ben Holt – Noteworthy
Purdue is expected to add depth to a much-needed position during the offseason. Ben Holt, who played three seasons at Western Kentucky, confirmed to the Journal & Courier through email that he plans to join the Boilermakers in the summer as a graduate transfer. Holt is the son of co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Nick Holt, who came to Purdue with head coach Jeff Brohm after the 2016 season. The coaching staff isn’t permitted to comment about Ben Holt until he enrolls in classes at Purdue. Holt, one the Hilltoppers’ captains last season, said he’ll graduate from WKU in May. He said he’ll be on scholarship with the Boilermakers. Purdue has been thin at linebacker for several years and adding the 5-10, 220-pound Holt helps beef up the depth chart. With Derrick Barnes moving to the program’s Leo position – a hybrid linebacker/defensive end – the Boilermakers need more linebackers. For spring practice, Purdue will have Markus Bailey, Jack Smith, Jaylan Alexander and possibly Barnes along with a group of walk-ons. Look for a lot of shuffling at the linebacker position since Cornel Jones will miss spring practice after undergoing foot surgery. He is expected to be ready for training camp in August. – Lafayette Journal & Courier
