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“Speech! Speech!”
That’s what Purdue second-year safety Dillon Thieneman heard as the Boilermakers opened spring practice back in March. He wasn’t prepared. He definitely hadn’t expected his family to show up moments before or for Purdue to drop a banner honoring his 2023 All-American season (AP third-team). But he did his best when promoted, quickly thanking his teammates: “It’s because of you guys.”
The rest of practice, at least between reps, Thieneman would look up and see … well … a picture of himself.
“It’s weird,” Thieneman told 247Sports. “I kind of just kept looking at it. I’d be off a rep, look over and it’d surprise me again.”
That’s about the only thing that surprised Thieneman during a true freshman campaign that saw him crash the national conversation and even win 247Sports True Freshman of the Year.
Thieneman did a little bit of everything for the Boilermakers. He led the team with 106 tackles, 74 of the solo variety — breaking Rod Woodson’s school record for a freshman and tying for fifth nationally in that number. His six interceptions tied for third in FBS. His 89.5 PFF College grade led all Power Five true freshman defenders.
He is already the top name to know for a team that will waste no time landing in the national spotlight this fall, as Purdue hosts Notre Dame on Sept. 14 (3:30 p.m. ET on CBS). Thieneman’s ascent to stardom happened instantly, too.
Fresno State quarterback Mikey Keene had had an incredible 2023 debut in a win against Purdue on Sept. 2, 2023. He threw for 366 yards and 4 TDs on 31 of 44 passing. There was just one minor flaw: A fourth-quarter interception that (briefly) led to Purdue taking the lead.
Keene dropped back, waited a beat to allow his receiver to finish his double move and…
Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/purdues-dillon-thieneman-college-footballs-best-freshman-in-2023-is-ready-for-his-national-close-up/
Author : Chris Hummer
Publish date : 2024-05-15 14:21:30
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