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First, Redshirt sophomore defensive end Langston Newton has transferred to Purdue:
#Purdue just announced that DE Langston Newton has transferred in from #Kentucky.
— Josh Edwards (@JEdwar247) January 13, 2014
Newton was the younger brother of former Kentucky quarterback Morgan Newton, and was originally from Carmel, Indiana. Newton was buried deep in the depth chart at the end of last season, and with Za'Darius Smith's and Bud Dupree's decisions to remain in school, his playing time was likely going to be limited next year as well. He will sit out next season at Purdue and have three years remaining.
A Sea of Blue wishes the best to Langston and his future at Purdue.
The defensive ends next year will primarily be competing for second string behind Smith and Dupree. Returning sophomore Jason Hatcher saw a fair share of snaps, and will likely back-up Dupree like he did this year. On the other side, Smith was backed up by junior-to-be Farrington Huguenin. Incoming freshmen of note projected to play defensive end are Adrian Middleton and Denzel Ware.
In other defensive line news, 24/7 Sports is reporting that Alabama has interest in Jimmy Brumbaugh. Brumbaugh's defensive line had mixed performances this year but Bud Dupree continued his ascension into the Kentucky football pantheon. Brumbaugh has been instrumental for tapping into Mississippi's loaded JUCO ranks and helped Kentucky to land Smith last season and cornerback AJ Stamps this season.
I'm less concerned about this report than the possible departure of Derrick Ansley to Georgia that surfaced yesterday. Brumbaugh seems to be a good coach, but with names like Lance Thompson, Ed Orgeron, and Chris Wilson competing for the position Brumbaugh's departure would be surprising.