Purdue football: Boilers land commitment from Ohio standout

Purdue football added a key component to its future recently, as Robert Taft High School (OH) defensive tackle Drayden Pavey committed to the Boilermakers.

The Class of ’25 prospect opted for Purdue football over Wisconsin and Indiana and 19 other schools. Earlier this spring, the 6-foot-3-inch, 294-pound standout listed his top eight, which included Toledo, Boston College, West Virginia, Miami (OH), Pittsburgh, Cincinnati and Indiana.

“The thing that stood out to me was that the staff are blue collar, hard working guys just like my pops. They can relate to me and know what it means to fight for everything,” Pavey told Boiler Wire.

After being offered at camp last year, Pavey worked to continue to bolster his relationship with Purdue football coaches, including Coach Brick Haley and Coach Preston Gordon.

“I have a dope ass relationship with Coach Haley and Coach Preston. They are my guys through and through. We talk a lot. Coach Brick loves that I can move around on the line. He told me, “you are more valuable if you can play inside out,” and I can. I am a dog up front,” Pavey said.

As a junior, Pavey recorded 46 tackles, nine tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles. He was named First Team All-Southwest Ohio and First Team All-Greater Miami Conference.

The Class of ’25 prospect admits he likes what he sees out of what Purdue football coach Ryan Walters is building.

“Most definitely I could see myself in that black and gold. Coach Walters is building something special, just wait and see. He’s young, hungry and demands respect. I love it,” Pavey said.

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