Journal and Courier from Lafayette, Indiana • B1

Journal Courier WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 23, 2019 1B Sports WEST LAFAYETTE David Blough has plenty of self-awareness. He knows the as the Purdue quarterback called them about his game in the view of NFL scouts and general managers. Not tall enough. Questionable arm strength at the pro level. He lacks the wow factor.

Blough completely change those elements but can alter the opinion of oth- ers. What he can do is make sure his strengths stand out like in East-West Shrine Game in St. Petersburg, Florida. going to do everything I can to showcase that if the ball is in my hands, I can win a game whether through my decision making, accuracy and com- mand of an Blough said two days after the event. The Texas native completed 10 of 15 passes for 149 yards and two touchdowns both to Terry Godwin.

teammate at Purdue receiver Terry Wright also played in the game, catching two passes for 19 yards. Beyond the numbers, Blough dis- played solid leadership and command a strong trait during his career with the Boilermakers and the ability to run an NFL think I helped Blough said. think I put on display that I can take charge of an NFL a playbook with the terminology that I can com- mand a huddle and be a leader in that league that they want the quarterback to How much Blough helped himself will surface following the Senior Bowl. when invitations to the NFL Scouting Combine are issued and Blough is eager to see if on the list. Even if he receive an invitation, Blough wants to be involved in the process and keep his name in front of the decision makers when it comes to personnel.

not above being a thrower there and a quarterback participant and throw to the running backs, receivers and whoever he said. want my East quarterback David Blough of Purdue throws a pass as he is pressured by West linebacker Cody Barton of Utah during the half of the East-West Shrine Game on Saturday. CHRIS Blough, Wright showcase big talents to NFL scouts QB Blough: think I helped myself after solid performance in all-star game Purdue Insider Mike Carmin Lafayette Journal Courier USA TODAY NETWORK See SCOUTS, Page 2B WEST LAFAYETTE Purdue center Matt Haarms may be one of the few not caught somewhat by surprise when Trevion Williams shifted from outside the rotation to impact player within a month. All summer and into the preseason, he had been the one trying to displace Williams for rebounding position, or forcing him to give up the ball in the low post, or trying to hold his own posi- tion on the block. When Williams posted two double- doubles in three games earlier this month, Haarms contain his praise.

As someone sharing minutes at the 5, he also took notice. course, you have competition with guys, so if you see someone play- ing well going to want to do bet- Haarms said. at the same See HAARMS, Page 2B Haarms continues to evolve Matt Haarms had one of his best statistical games of the season on Saturday. FRANK FOR THE Inside Purdue basketball scouting Ohio State with Insider Nathan Baird. 6B Big man capitalizes on his height and niche at both ends of the Nathan Baird Lafayette Journal Courier USA TODAY NETWORK LAFAYETTE After a promising freshman season, Spencer Phillips had high expectations for his sophomore year on the wrestling mat.

A freakish injury nearly derailed those plans. The McCutcheon 152-pounder suf- fered an injury to the peroneal tendon sheath in his left ankle. Essentially, the tendon kept ping and causing excruciating pain, even with everyday walking. At that point, wrestling was an after- thought. thought I was just going to wrestle junior and senior Phillips said.

Except he got positive news from Dr. Robert Hagen post surgery. Phillips had the tendon anchored in place. Hagen informed Phillips that he could now push through with his left leg and that was the therapeutic relief he needed. is a McCutcheon wres- tling coach Chuck Wallace said.

is his escape from anything that might be going on and now that he is healthy, this is his Phillips just had to answer one question. Could he be as good as he was? A year ago, Phillips went 33-11 and was a regional at 145 pounds, placing third in the North Central Con- ference and fourth in the Lafayette Sectional. Surprisingly, he might be better. Since his return, Phillips has won 11 of 13 matches and claimed the 152- pound North Central Conference championship at Memorial Gymnasium last Friday by winning all three of his matches with pinfalls. He still says not 100 percent healthy, but a lot better than he was just a few weeks ago when he started getting back on the mat.

It was the day Phillips needed with the sectional coming up on Saturday at Craw- ley Center. was out so long at the beginning of the season with my ankle and Phillips said after claiming the NCC title. this tournament gave me some back. I will take this into sectional and hopefully score big Sam King covers high school sports for the Journal Courier. Email him at and follow him on Twitter Conference title helps McCutcheon recovery Sam King Lafayette Journal Courier USA TODAY NETWORK McCutcheon sophomore Spencer Phillips won a North Central Conference title last Friday.

SAM COURIER.