Jahmal Edrine has been waiting a year for his Purdue debut on Saturday

WEST LAFAYETTE — Jahmal Edrine slipped behind the media scrum to ask Hudson Card questions after Purdue football practice Wednesday.

But at 1.90 m and 98 kg, Edrine did not really fit in with the small crowd.

But Edrine had a specific question for the Boilermaker quarterback.

“How many balls do you plan to throw at Jahmal Edrine on Saturday?” he asked.

All jokes aside, Edrine is just happy to be making his Purdue debut against Indiana State.

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This should have happened 12 months earlier.

Edrine, who is expected to be one of Purdue’s top receivers in 2023, tore his ACL early in fall camp and never played.

He must have mentally changed his attitude on the fly.

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“I have to be ready for my return, when my time is up,” Edrine said. “I have to be able to go there without any problems. I just have to go there and be ready for the team when I come back.”

Nearly two years ago, and across the field, Ross-Ade Stadium is where Edrine experienced a career-changing moment.

On September 24, 2022, Edrine had only one reception for Florida Atlantic in a 28–26 loss to Purdue.

“It was definitely a turning point for me as a player,” Edrine said. “It really helped me prepare better for each game and give my best throughout the week. So it was a real turning point in my career.”

Based on Card’s answer to Edrine’s question Wednesday, the junior receiver will catch more than one pass in his second appearance at Ross-Ade Stadium.

Card said he plans to throw “a lot” of balloons at Edrine.

After Edrine tore his ACL last year in the first week of camp, Card and Edrine never developed a deep connection between passing and receiving.

This changed during Edrine’s long rehabilitation.

Once he could run again, he and Card would meet on Sundays and work on timing.

“That played a big part in the chemistry and I think a lot of it was being able to talk him through routes and what I expected,” Card said.

Edrine’s one-reception day at Purdue during the 2022 season is lost in an 11-game cumulative statistic of 39 receptions for 570 yards and 6 TDs.

He parlayed that into big names in college football after entering the transfer portal and finding a home away from his roots in Florida and the Midwest where, if nothing else, he was blown away by the generosity and hospitality of the people.

But this decision was taken in a footballing spirit.

Edrine wanted to prove he could excel in a Big Ten program.

It may have been delayed a year, but on Saturday he will get that chance.

“The emotions are running high. I’m very, very grateful. Very grateful,” Edrine said. “Yes, it’s my first game back. But I consider it the first game of the season. I’m focused and ready to go.”

Sam King covers sports for the Journal & Courier. Email him at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter and Instagram @samueltking.