WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Purdue Football had its first spring practice of the Barry Odom head coaching era on Tuesday morning outside the Kozuch Football Performance Complex.
Odom was named head coach of the Boilermakers on Dec. 8, 2024 and had his official introduction to the Purdue community on Dec. 10. He joined the Boilermakers after leading UNLV to 19 wins across two seasons – the winningest two-year stretch in Rebels' history.
Taking the field for the first time with the Boilermakers, Odom was thrilled to practice as Purdue prepares for the 2025 season.
"I'm more excited today than I was 26 years ago," said Odom. "This is going to be a fun team to coach. We have a long way to go, but that's the beauty of it. Our job is to make sure that we make Purdue Football better than we were yesterday … There's a process of how we go about our work. If we hold true to that and get 100 percent of the entire building in line with that vision, then we'll be where we need to be heading into offseason summer ball."
Before Purdue could get back on the practice fields, the Boilermakers worked extensively in the weight room throughout the offseason under Kiero Small, the program's director of strength and conditioning. Small enters his third year in West Lafayette as the team's head strength coach, making sure each player is prepared mentally and physically for the start of spring practice.
"Building the camaraderie, you get better as a team working together through hard things," said Small. "So, putting them in the situation and asking them to strain has been huge for us. You got a group of guys that are willing to work and making sure they're working towards the same goal."
One of those who stood out during offseason conditioning was defensive end CJ Madden. His first season as a Boilermaker was cut short three games into the 2024 campaign due to injury, but the Ellenwood, Georgia, native is back and ready to play for Purdue's new head coach.
"I believe in the process, and I believe in what Coach Odom has done," said Madden. "I wanted to buy in because I love this place. I love Purdue."
Over the past three months, Odom has established a culture of "hard, smart and tough" at Purdue. The mantra has been a focal point throughout the program on both sides of the ball.
"He is a very focused coach and team guy," said offensive lineman Ethan Trent. "He knows what he's doing for sure. He has an ability to get everyone to buy into what he's doing and he's a great leader."
The Boilermakers return to the practice fields on Thursday morning before wrapping up the week with a Saturday practice.
Odom was named head coach of the Boilermakers on Dec. 8, 2024 and had his official introduction to the Purdue community on Dec. 10. He joined the Boilermakers after leading UNLV to 19 wins across two seasons – the winningest two-year stretch in Rebels' history.
Taking the field for the first time with the Boilermakers, Odom was thrilled to practice as Purdue prepares for the 2025 season.
"I'm more excited today than I was 26 years ago," said Odom. "This is going to be a fun team to coach. We have a long way to go, but that's the beauty of it. Our job is to make sure that we make Purdue Football better than we were yesterday … There's a process of how we go about our work. If we hold true to that and get 100 percent of the entire building in line with that vision, then we'll be where we need to be heading into offseason summer ball."
Before Purdue could get back on the practice fields, the Boilermakers worked extensively in the weight room throughout the offseason under Kiero Small, the program's director of strength and conditioning. Small enters his third year in West Lafayette as the team's head strength coach, making sure each player is prepared mentally and physically for the start of spring practice.
"Building the camaraderie, you get better as a team working together through hard things," said Small. "So, putting them in the situation and asking them to strain has been huge for us. You got a group of guys that are willing to work and making sure they're working towards the same goal."
One of those who stood out during offseason conditioning was defensive end CJ Madden. His first season as a Boilermaker was cut short three games into the 2024 campaign due to injury, but the Ellenwood, Georgia, native is back and ready to play for Purdue's new head coach.
"I believe in the process, and I believe in what Coach Odom has done," said Madden. "I wanted to buy in because I love this place. I love Purdue."
Over the past three months, Odom has established a culture of "hard, smart and tough" at Purdue. The mantra has been a focal point throughout the program on both sides of the ball.
"He is a very focused coach and team guy," said offensive lineman Ethan Trent. "He knows what he's doing for sure. He has an ability to get everyone to buy into what he's doing and he's a great leader."
The Boilermakers return to the practice fields on Thursday morning before wrapping up the week with a Saturday practice.