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Purdue football brought in a Big Ten Conference veteran to compete for the open starting jobs on its offensive line.
Micah Banuelos announced his commitment to the Boilermakers out of the NCAA transfer portal via Instagram on Monday. The 6-foot-2, 310-pound Washington native started five games at guard for USC last season.
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Banuelos played over 400 snaps last season as a redshirt freshman with the Trojans. He did not play when USC won at Ross-Ade Stadium. He has three seasons of eligibility remaining.
Purdue offensive coordinator Josh Henson was with USC during Banuelos' freshman season. So was first-year offensive line coach Zach Crabtree, who was the Trojans' assistant offensive line coach that season.
Purdue's starting left guard last season, Jalen St. John, completed his eligibility. Hank Purvis, who overtook captain Ethan Trent for the starting right guard job, announced he planned to enter his name into the NCAA transfer portal.
Two of Purdue's offensive line starters - left tackle Joey Tanona and center Bradyn Joiner - can return. Right tackle Bakyne Coly also completed his eligibility.
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Purdue coach Barry Odom fired offensive line coach Vance Vice after the season. The Boilermakers ranked 13th in the Big Ten in rushing yards per carry, 14th in third down percentage, 15th in rushing plays of 20-plus yards and 10th in sacks allowed per game.
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This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Micah Banuelos Purdue football transfer portal commit from USC
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