The senior quarterback is entering the upcoming season with a single focus: to lead the Boilermakers back to a successful campaign.
After Purdue experienced a tough finish, losing five of their last seven games during Ryan Walter’s first year as head coach, Hudson Card and his teammates took a hard look at themselves. A demanding offseason filled with hard work, building depth, and film analysis has Card optimistic that the Boilermakers will improve this fall.
“I truly feel good about where we stand right now,” Card stated. “We welcomed back some key players and brought in some important additions from the portal who are really going to make a difference for us.”
Despite the challenges ahead, few are expecting Purdue to make waves in 2024. In fact, the Preseason Big Ten Media Poll released earlier this week ranked the Boilermakers at the bottom. However, Card is determined to shift this narrative and is ready to take responsibility for how the season unfolds.
“I think that’s why you choose quarterback as a position; everything begins with you. If you’re not at your best, then the play is less likely to succeed,” he explained. “You handle the ball on every play, so I take pride in that responsibility, and it’s a choice I made.”
His experience, leadership, and performance will be crucial in Ryan Walter’s second year as head coach. Card’s journey has always been about seeing hope ahead. The former four-star recruit began his career at Texas, where he started five games and amassed 1,523 yards and 11 touchdowns during his three years there.
Leaving Austin was a tough decision for the hometown kid, but Card is showing great promise in the Big Ten. He threw three touchdowns each in wins against Minnesota and Indiana, along with 217 yards and two touchdowns in the victory over Illinois. His 323 passing yards against Syracuse marked a season high.
Card continued where he left off by throwing a 58-yard touchdown in Purdue’s spring game, giving him momentum as August approaches. He takes great pride in his growth and remains humble because of his experiences.
“I wouldn’t trade my journey for anything. I’ve faced many ups and downs in my career, but those experiences have shaped me into the player and person I am today,” the 22-year-old stated.
Having learned from Texas Coach Steve Sarkisian, Card now feels more at ease in his second year under Graham Harrell’s system. However, he’ll need to stay alert in the revamped 18-team Big Ten, where competition will be fierce, and the margin for error will be slim.
Nonetheless, Card thrives under pressure and believes it’s essential to earn respect for Purdue. He even reaches out to notable former Boilermakers, such as Drew Brees, Kyle Orton, and Aidan O’Connell, for advice, using their insights to navigate various situations.
Purdue faces a challenging schedule this season, with games against Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oregon, and Penn State. Card is undeterred and prepares to lead the Boilermakers with determination.
“You get to compete against the best every week, and as a competitor, that’s what you want.”
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