INDIANAPOLIS – For the second time, Purdue football expects to turn to Ryan Browne in place of an injured Hudson Card in a Big Ten Conference game.
Last season, Browne played extensively in Card’s place at Northwestern as a true freshman. He complied 189 all-purpose yards, but the Boilermakers fell 23-15.
On Saturday, Browne will face Illinois’ solid defense with Card expected to miss the game due to concussion protocol. He will be asked to spark a Purdue offense which has ranked among the worst in the nation through its first five games — including four straight losses.
What you should know about the Boilermakers‘ fill-in quarterback on Saturday:
Prep school star
Browne started his prep career at Florida’s Venice High School. As a senior, he was named Florida’s 8A Player of the Year and runner-up for Mr. Football. He led Venice to a 14-1 record and was named MVP of the state championship game. He threw for 2,636 yards with 31 touchdowns against seven interceptions and rushed for 534 yards and eight touchdowns
He then played a post-graduate season at Milford Acacdemy in New Berlin, New York. He threw for 2,931 yards with 29 touchdowns against three interceptions while leading Milford to an 8-1 record.
A three-star prospect ranked outside the national top 1,000, Browne came to Purdue as part of the transitional signing class between former coach Jeff Brohm and Ryan Walters. Other reported offers included Holy Cross, Kent State, Rhode Island and Toledo.
Real game experience
Bennett Meredith started in Card’s place last season at Northwestern, but he and Browne rotated throughout the game. Browne completed 75% of his passes that day, with a long of 28, totaling 104 yards on 16 attempts.
Browne’s abilities are not limited to the air. He rushed for 85 yards on 21 carries against Northwestern, averaging 4.75 sack-adjusted yards per carry.
Browne has appeared in two of Purdue’s five games this season. He completed 6 of 10 passes for 62 yards in the season opener against Indiana. He completed his lone pass attempt last week at Wisconsin for 6 yards.
Big Ten bloodlines
Browne’s father, Jim, was a fullback who played his first two college seasons with Northwestern in 1980-81. In that second season, he led the Wildcats with 140 rushing yards and 24 receptions.
He then transferred to Boston College, where he played with quarterback Doug Flutie. He helped the 1984 Eagles to a 10-2 record — including a memorable Hail Mary victory over Miami — and No. 5 ranking in the final AP Top 25 poll.
Browne played with the Detroit Lions, Miami Dolphis and Los Angeles Rams in the 1985 and 1987 seasons. He also played one season with the Arena Football League’s Detroit Drive.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Purdue football QB Ryan Browne to start for Hudson Card at Illinois
