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Purdue DB Chris Jefferson not expected to return to team

On3 imageby: Tom Dienhart11/04/22TomDienhart1
Purdue DB Chris Jefferson (Krockover Photography)

Purdue defensive back Chris Jefferson isn’t expected to return to the team, GoldandBlack.com has learned.

Following Purdue’s 31-29 win at Maryland on October 8, Jefferson stepped away from the program. He cited “mental health” as the reason in a social media post, writing on Twitter: “Imma be right back! Mental health is most important, we still gone handle business!”

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Jefferson hasn’t played in the last two games and has returned home. The fifth-year senior from Euclid, Ohio, started the first five games of 2022 as a key member of the secondary. He played a variety of roles, lining up at safety, nickelback and star (safety/linebacker).

In 2022, Jefferson had 17 tackles along with five PBUs and two interceptions, running one back 72 yards for a TD vs. Penn State in the opener.

With Jefferson out, Purdue has turned to Sanoussi Kane to start at safety alongside Cam Allen. To give the secondary more options, the staff is training Kane and Allen at corner. Fellow safety Bryce Hampton also can play corner, bolstering a position that features Cory Trice, Jamari Brown and Reese Taylor.

The 5-11, 190-pound Jefferson transferred to Purdue prior to the 2021 season from Division II Findlay University in Ohio, where he was an All-American. In his Boilermaker debut, Jefferson played in 12 games, making 47 tackles with an interception and four PBUs.

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