Etling's departure doesn't change Purdue QB situation

The announcement didn't come as a surprise.

Danny Etling was granted his scholarship release by Purdue on Thursday. The quarterback who made 12 starts and threw for 2,490 yards in two seasons is going elsewhere.

Following spring practice, it appeared Austin Appleby was No. 1 and David Blough was No. 2 with no official depth chart. Etling knew his days of being the starter were likely over, barring a rash of injuries or another transfer.

If this is about playing time – and these situations usually are – Etling is headed to a place where he can play. It's just a matter of how quickly the Terre Haute native wants to step on the field. Transfer to an FBS program, he'll have to sit out a year. Head to an FCS program, Etling can play immediately.

Whichever path he chooses, wish him well. He was thrust into the starting job as a true freshman and we saw promising signs. Last year, though, those signs vanished and Etling struggled to hit open receivers and take command of the offense.

This really doesn't change the quarterback situation for coach Darrell Hazell. It's either Appleby or Blough. The other question – will freshman Elijah Sindelar receive a fair evaluation, even coming off ACL surgery? The Kentucky native is expected to be cleared and ready to compete when training camp starts.

This is Hazell's third year and selecting the right guy is paramount when progress in the win column is needed.

The instability at the position is preventing the program from moving forward at a quicker pace. Hazell has changed starting quarterbacks twice in two seasons, both based on performance.

The quarterback position is important. Don't let anyone squash that idea.

Joe Tiller, who is idolized by Purdue fans for his remarkable run of 10 bowl games in 12 years, knows a thing or two about quarterbacks. His words aren't gospel, but he speaks from experience.

Asked about Purdue's 2015 team at Wednesday's NFF Dinner, Tiller admitted he doesn't know the roster because he didn't recruit any of the players. And he then added:

"I'm of the opinion – and this will never change for me – you're about as good as your quarterback is. I think they're getting that position sorted out and if they do and they have a guy that is a really productive guy, they're going to have a much-improved season," Tiller said.

Fans hope that's the case.