Ranking the Big Ten offensive lines heading in 2022

(5.) Purdue Boilermakers

Offensive Line coach: Dale Williams (6th season)
Projected line-up: LT Eric Miller*, LG Spencer Holstege*, C Gus Hartwig*, RG Sione Finau, RT Daniel Johnson

Summary: You’ll have to forgive the stats, which place Purdue’s offense at 126th in rushing yards per game last year — Jeff Brohm runs a borderline Air Raid offense at Purdue. For example, Aidan O’Connell threw the ball 440 times in 12 games, compared to Michigan’s Cade McNamara, who threw the ball 327 times in 14 games.

The lack of rushing stats is more a design of play-calling, rather than indicative of a mediocre offensive line. Purdue’s OL last year was 24th in sack percentage, showing that they excelled at what they needed to do most.

The left side of the Boilermakers OL is pretty easy to cover: all three of Miller, Holstege, and Hartwig started last year and all three are pretty solid players. Very good in pass protection, and fairly solid in run blocking when they are eventually asked to do so.

Hartwig was included in the Rimington Award watchlist, and Miller has All-Big Ten upside. On the right-hand side, things are more of a toss-up. At right guard, the best bet is FIU transfer Sione Finau, a former C-USA all-conference player.

Daniel Johnson at right tackle is also a transfer, formerly a starter for Kent State, though he’s far less certain, as Cam Craig is an experienced in-house option who could also win the job.

Overall, a solid left side and some decent reinforcements padding up the right side. Should be a pretty quality unit all things considered, and very well suited for the style of offense they’re asked to operate in.