When Robert Marve officially transferred to Purdue in May of 2009 after his controversial exit from Miami, there was little doubt that the quarterback would be under center when the 2010 regular season rolled around.
Tuesday morning, head coach Danny Hope removed what little doubt there may have been.
In a press release issued by the school, Hope announced that, indeed, Marve would be his starting quarterback in the Boilermakers’ season opener in South Bend against Notre Dame.
“We like everything about Robert - his ability to throw the football, run with the football and lead our team from the quarterback position - and we want him to begin practice with the mindset that he is the guy,” Hope said in a statement. “Knowing Robert and his competitiveness, he will not take this decision for granted and, if anything, it will make him more determined than ever to solidify the starting position.”
“Last month, I had the opportunity to meet Drew Brees, Len Dawson and Bob Griese and learn more about the quarterback tradition at Purdue,” Marve said in his statement. “Now to have the chance to join that fraternity means a lot of me and gives me a great sense of responsibility. I am looking forward to the start of training camp and working with my teammates to have a great season.”
The junior spent the past spring practice splitting the first-team reps with sophomore Caleb TerBush, but was “a little bit further ahead” throughout the sessions and exiting spring.
Marve started 11 of 13 games for the Hurricanes in 2008, but suspensions forced him out of the season opener and the school’s Emerald Bowl appearance. Shortly after the second suspension, he asked for his release because “I just decided that I can’t play for coach [Randy] Shannon.”
Now, the time has come for Marve to prove he can play for Hope.
