Wide receiver wants wins,
not statistics
By Greg Doddridge
Staff
Writer
Wide receiver Taylor Stubblefield didn't find out
that he was tied for first in the Big Ten conference in receptions per
game until Tuesday, three days after Purdue defeated Akron 33-14.
The redshirt freshman is averaging seven receptions
per game, which is also good enough for a tie for 12th in the nation.
He is also ninth in the conference in receiving yards per game with
65.5.
But while the individual statistical rankings are
nice to have, they don't matter that much to Stubblefield.
"As long as I know that I had gone out there and
done the best that I could have done, then I am pleased," said Stubblefield.
"I am especially pleased if we come out with a victory. That's always
a plus."
Stubblefield's rise to the upper echelon of Big
Ten receivers has come as he has adjusted from life before his time
at Purdue.
He was redshirted last year due to an ankle injury
that he suffered during fall camp.
"I don't think he was ready last year, physically
or mentally," said coach Joe Tiller. "He's a much more confident player
this year than he was last year."
And it's not as though Stubblefield is overconfident.
Tiller said it's more of a confidence that comes from getting more acclimated
to life in West Lafayette as opposed to life in Yakima, Wash., Stubblefield's
hometown.
Stubblefield used last year as a time to develop
as a player, to refine his routes while learning the offense a little
bit better.
The payoff has been evident so far this year.
He caught six passes for 54 yards in his fist collegiate
game, a 19-14 win over Cincinnati on Sept. 2, and he had eight receptions
for 77 yards against Akron on Saturday.
"I think Taylor does a great job," said fellow
redshirt freshman, quarterback Brandon Hance. "He runs really good routes.
He's consistent catching the football. And I think probably the most
important thing is the positive yardage after the catch."
Then it comes as no surprise that Stubblefield
appears to be the favorite of Hance. Their mysterious connection on
the field has been present ever since fall camp. Stubblefield says he
doesn't know what to make of the connection. Hance says it's Stubblefield's
great routes. Hance has also said it's almost as if he knows where Stubblefield
will be in his route when he throws.
"Stubblefield is the 'A' receiver, just like Vinny
Sutherland last year and Chris Daniels before that," said Hance.
So, Stubblefield is often the first look, depending
upon the route. He was almost the sole look in the Cincinnati game,
but Tiller said during the Akron game that Hance was looking past his
first read for the more open receiver.
Stubblefield had 36 percent of all the Purdue receptions
in the Akron game compared to 43 percent in the Cincinnati game. Against
Akron, for the first time this year, the Boilers had two players other
than Stubblefield catch at least five passes in a game. Sophomore John
Standeford and senior Tim Stratton both had five catches in the Akron
game.
Purdue's attack offense with more receiving options
was thus evident in the Akron game.
Stubblefield is not surprised with his early success,
but he doesn't want that to be taken out of context.
"I wanted to contribute to this team," said Stubblefield.
"And what I have been doing, I think there is always room for improvement.
It's good what I have done and I appreciate it. But I always think that
I can do a lot better."
He wants to improve his speed and blocking abilities.
"I think sometimes I relax, which as a player I
do not need to do," said Stubblefield.
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