Purdue's Anthrop ready for contact

How does Danny Anthrop know he's ready for Purdue's training camp and the 2015 season?

He's already taken a hit.

Nov. 1, 2014 wasn't a good day for Anthrop. In fact, the night before Anthrop was sick and it wasn't just an upset stomach.

During the loss to Nebraska, he suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee while returning a punt. Later that evening, his girlfriend – Purdue volleyball player Amanda Neill – suffered a broken nose against Minnesota.

If the couple ends up married, it's unlikely Nov. 1 is the wedding date. Just a guess.

Following surgery in December, Anthrop tested his knee numerous times. The medical personnel wouldn't release Anthrop if he didn't pass each rehabilitation hurdle.

But he needed to make sure.

Since Anthrop hasn't been tackled in about nine months, he enlisted help to see if he's prepared to absorb a hit when training camp starts Friday.

Enter Jackson Anthrop, Danny's younger brother. Enter defensive end and roommate John Strauser.

Jackson is a senior on Central Catholic's football team and also plays basketball and baseball. A little brother getting a chance to tackle his older brother – with no repercussions – what sibling wouldn't jump at the opportunity?

He did.

"Me and my little brother did some one-on-one stupid stuff and he's tackled me," Danny Anthrop said at last week's Big Ten media day. "He tackled me and my roommate tackled me."

Need any more proof?

Granted, he hasn't experienced contact at full speed or even participated in a full-padded scrimmage. He'll continue to test his knee during camp.

This isn't Anthrop's first time coming back from an injury, so he knows the routine.

He's dealt with wrist and ankle injuries. He suffered a torn MCL in his left knee during training camp two years ago. He's missed limited time throughout his career.

Anthrop believes he's prepared for camp and poised for a big senior season. At least when he's tackled in camp, it won't be the first time since the surgery.