WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. -- There was a moment during Purdue's spring practice that Joe Holland actually felt like a linebacker.

Moved to the position before last season, the former safety didn't have time to gradually become acclimated. It was a whirlwind process that still leaves the former Bishop Chatard standout wondering what, or rather, who, hit him.

"It got crazy at times," Holland said. "The experience I've gained has really carried over to this year."

As the Boilermakers prepare for Saturday's matchup at Wisconsin, Holland's play is starting to pick up. He has 16 tackles in the past two games, including a team-high eight against Illinois last week as Purdue won its second straight game.

"He's getting better and he's becoming a more physical player," coach Danny Hope said. "He accelerates in there a lot faster and he's making big hits. He's become a more sure tackler."

The sophomore's transformation has taken time, film study and additional weight. Holland said he added 15 pounds and now weighs about 220.

"I knew I had to get stronger, but there's a big difference in the strength you need for a defensive back as opposed to a linebacker," said Holland, who produced consecutive double-digit tackle outings against Notre Dame and Northwestern. "I knew I had to gain a lot of strength. To play in this league, I had to put on at least 15 pounds."

Holland, second on the team with 53 tackles, continues to follow a similar routine during the season. Eat. And repeat.

"But it's hard to maintain the weight," he said. "It's still important to eat big meals and get something before I go to bed."

Holland endured growing pains.

"There were times last year I felt comfortable with my assignment and I was playing the technique right, but it never came completely natural," he said. "The spring was very important for me. It was a time to step back and focus on the basics. Some of the stuff we had to skip last year because we had to prepare for the season more so than just working on individual players. It helped me get to where I am today."

Jason Werner, one of three Boilermakers starting linebackers, knows what Holland is going through. Werner was a safety at Roncalli.

"I was frustrated because I would make a read and take a block the right way, but I wasn't strong enough to get off of it," said Werner, who leads the Boilermakers with 60 tackles. "I remember coach (Brock) Spack and coach (Mark) Hagen saying, 'Nice job, but you have to get in the weight room to make that play.'

"It shows you have to do the right things out of season, too. Joe did a good job of getting himself ready."