Indy Chronicler

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (WLFI) – The 2024 Big Ten Football Media Days are taking place Tuesday through Thursday at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Purdue addressed the media on day one. 

Sports 18 spoke with head coach Ryan Walters about the upcoming season. 

Interview: 

Q: As you enter your second season as head coach of the program, can you tell me some of the expectations you have for the team? 

Walters: “I’m just looking forward to being in year two. You find out a lot about yourself and your program in year one. You tend to seek growth from year one to year two just in football in general  So, to go through what we went through a year ago and to know where we are now — I think we’ve come a long way and I’m looking forward to seeing what that looks like on game day.”

Q: With camp beginning next week, is there anything you want to carry over or translate from spring camp into next week or even the season? 

Walters: “Definitely looking for a recall of the guys that are returning. But also looking forward to some competition! We’ve got a lot of position groups that have depth now that we didn’t get to have a year ago. So, guys will be competing for starting jobs and roles on the team. I think anytime you have some healthy competition it only makes you better and we are deeper than we were a year ago so there will be a lot more competition.”

Q: This question could be asked to coaches around the country due to the transfer portal but how have you handled meshing all of the new and returning pieces together for this season? 

Walters: “It’s been awesome and I think the reason why is because we were strategic about the type of guys that we brought in and the timing. You know, in year one I was hired mid December and signing day is two weeks after. So, it was hard to identify and sign some portal players and without knowing the roster. We brought in the 13 transfer guys that we took this season that were here in January. So, for them to go through a full off-season in the program and know what we sort of expect and how we operate and also get to know their teammates was huge.”

 

Q: The schedule looks a bit different this season compared to last — with the talk of the town being the Notre Dame matchup. What are you most looking forward to about this season? 

Walters: Yeah, I’m looking forward to the atmosphere. I mean Ross-Ade is already electric but anytime you have that type of program and that caliber opponent coming to your house, it’s going to be fun. I’m looking forward to that game. 

Q: Lastly, is there anything you want to say to our viewers or fans before we close?

Walters: “West Lafayette feels like home! It has felt like home to me and my family for quite some time now. So, we take pride in representing our home and we’re working tirelessly to make Purdue-faithful proud and I think people will be in for a treat this season.”

The Boilermakers will open the season at home against Indiana State on Aug 31, 2024.

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