April 27, 2006

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - As a freshman in 2004, guard Jordan Grimes became the first true freshman in more than a decade to start on the Boilermaker offensive line, starting in one game and seeing playing time in 10. In his sophomore season, Grimes stepped it up a notch, starting all 11 games and earning second team All-Big Ten honors from both the coaches and the media, while also being named a Sophomore All-American by collegefootballnews.com. In 2005, Grimes was part of a unit that allowed just nine sacks on 428 passing plays, setting a record for fewest sacks allowed under any Joe Tiller-coached team at Purdue. Grimes and three other starting members of that offensive line are back for the 2006 season, along with four other linemen with at least one varsity letter to their name. Grimes took a moment to speak with purduesports.com after practice Wednesday.

On his progress this spring ...
This spring went a lot better than I planned. I'm playing heavier than I've ever played, but I'm also quicker than I've ever been. I actually surprised myself in some areas. There are areas I have to improve on still and I'm looking forward to this summer, working on my speed, agility, and footwork.

On the team's progress this spring ...
This is a totally different team compared to last year. The attitudes are more positive. We're a lot more competitive during practice, people are getting after it. But we're still friends at the end of the day, even though we're getting into it during practice. Guys that need to step up to fill a role are starting to do that.

On playing on an experienced offensive line ...
We (the offensive line) are going to be awesome this year. We have a little bit of an edge because we've been around and we've seen just about everything. That's also going to make our defensive line and linebackers a lot better because they're going against a line that's been around, plays hard, and knows how to play together.

On offensive line Coach Bill Legg's new role as offensive coordinator ...
I was really excited for him. Offensive linemen have a different perspective of the offense. That's what I like about having him as an offensive coordinator. There will not be any missed blocks, everybody will know their assignments. He likes to run the ball a little more. He likes to pound it and has an offensive lineman's mentality. And I like that because I like to hit people. That's what I do best.

On personal expectations for the coming season ...
I always want to take a step up. My ultimate goal is to be an All-American. And as a junior, that's one heck of a goal. That's why this summer I'm going to concentrate on getting my weight where it needs to be and work on the little things to keep me from being an average player who can dominate some of the time. I want to be a player that can dominate on every single play.

On the team's expectations for the coming season ...
I only see this team getting better, but that's really something you can't tell until you've played a couple of games together. This team has the potential to do whatever we want to do. It's just a matter of getting everybody heading in the same direction. This team can go all the way if everybody wants to go all the way and put in the work and effort to do so.

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