Purdue senior DT Brandon Taylor, who at the least was expected to be part of the tackle rotation this season, has left school for academic reasons.
"We wish (Taylor) the best," Purdue coach Darrell Hazell said Thursday at Big Ten media days. "Unfortunately, those things happen, but we have nothing but the best regards for him."
Taylor played in 10 games and made 11 tackles last season, but he was expected to challenge for a starting job next to All-Big Ten candidate Bruce Gaston.
Taylor's departure means sophomore Ryan Watson will likely get the starting job at nose tackle next to Gaston.
Despite having others to plug in, Gaston said he believes the team will feel the loss of Taylor.
"I think it's a big loss because (Taylor) is a good player. He's athletic, stout and strong," said Gaston. "It's unfortunate. It's definitely a piece that will be missed. We have other guys that know that they have to step up."
