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Breakout ahead for Purdue TE George Burhenn?

On3 imageby: Tom Dienhart4 hours agoTomDienhart1

So far, so good for George Burhenn.

The oft-injured Purdue tight end has sailed through the first two weeks of spring drills healthy.

“I feel great,” Burhenn said. “This is kind of what I said last year, but this is the best I’ve felt in a long time, which is good. I am really excited.”

That wasn’t the case last March when Burhenn suffered a gnarly ankle injury that required surgery. He battled back to begin the season only to suffer a broken wrist vs. Notre Dame on Sept. 20 and miss the final eight games.

Despite Burhenn’s fragility, Purdue OC Josh Henson is not treating him with kid gloves.

“I think he needs to play football. He’s missed so much time from injury,” said Henson. “I just pray the football Gods have taken their penance and he’s done paying penance for injuries and he’ll stay healthy.”

Injuries have plagued Burhenn. He played in just four games last year and only four in the 2024 campaign after sustaining a foot injury. Burhenn took part in 11 games in 2023. Add it all up, and he has only 15 catches in 19 games with one TD as a Boilermaker.

Things weren’t supposed to unfold like this for the 6-5, 245-pound Burhenn after he arrived amid hype as an elite prep hurdler. He’s a unique package of athletic ability, size and speed who drips with potential.

And he’s still looking to tap it. Could this be the year?

“George is a once in a lifetime player in my book,” said fellow tight end Luca Puccinelli. “Hard worker. Leader on and off the field. Great guy. Great individual. It is great to see him running around.”

Top Purdue TEs

Purdue has produced a raft of good tight ends since 1980.

Player (Years)StatsSkinny
Dave Young (1977-80)173 catches, 2,202 yards, 24 TDsAll-American and 2nd round pick of Giants
Cliff Benson (1981-83)117, 1,546, 115th round pick by Falcons in 1984
Tim Stratton (1997-2001)188, 1,956, 15 TDsMackey Award winner; 3-time 1st team All-B1G
Charles Davis (2002-05)78, 865, 4Steelers’ 5th round draftee who spent season on Purdue hoops team
Dustin Keller (2004-07)142, 1,882, 16Freak athlete; first-round pick by Jets
Brycen Hopkins (2016-19)130, 1,945, 162019 Big Ten TE of Year; Rams 4th rounder
Payne Durham (2018-22)126, 1,275, 21Picked by Bucs in 5th round, still playing

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