Purdue Receiver CJ Smith Listed on Depth Chart for First Time in 2024

Purdue wide receiver CJ Smith is listed on the depth chart for the first time in the 2024 season. The Georgia transfer has battled a hamstring injury.
Purdue Boilermakers wide receiver CJ Smith (9) lines up to run a drill
Purdue Boilermakers wide receiver CJ Smith (9) lines up to run a drill / Alex Martin/Journal and Courier / USA TODAY NETWORK
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For the first time in 2024, Purdue wide receiver is expected to suit up for Purdue. The Georgia transfer was listed on the depth chart ahead of Saturday's clash against Northwestern. He's listed as a starter.

Smith suffered a hamstring injury during fall camp and has been unavailable through the first seven games of the season. Purdue is just 1-6 on the season, with the lone victory coming in the opener against Indiana State.

That should provide a boost for the Boilermakers, who have struggled offensively this season. Purdue is averaging just 20.3 points and 334.4 yards per game. Those averages rank 119th and 110th in the nation, respectively.

Smith spent two seasons at Georgia before transferring to Purdue. He caught six passes for 116 yards during the 2023 campaign with the Bulldogs. He utilized a redshirt year in 2022.

During the offseason, coach Ryan Walters raved about the contributions Smith could make to Purdue's passing attack. He talked about him being the fastest player on the team, as well as bringing a strong competitive mentality to the field.

It was much later than expected, but it sounds like Smith will finally be on the field for the Boilermakers.

Purdue hosts Northwestern at Ross-Ade Stadium on Saturday. Kickoff is set for noon ET and the game will air on Big Ten Network.

Related stories on Purdue football

HARTWIG A BRIGHT SPOT OFFENSIVELY: Purdue center Gus Hartwig has been a bright spot for a Boilermaker offense that has struggled throughout the 2024 season. CLICK HERE

PURDUE OPENED AS FAVORITE VS NORTHWESTERN: Purdue has opened as a narrow favorite in its Week 10 game against Northwestern. The Boilermakers are coming off a bye week. CLICK HERE

WALTERS EXPECTED TO GET MORE TIME: Despite Purdue's struggles on the football field in 2024, coach Ryan Walters is "expected to get more time," according to a report from ESPN's Pete Thamel. CLICK HERE


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