FOOTBALL

Purdue Football: Dillon Thieneman back after All-American season

Published

1 month ago

March 20, 2024

Purdue Boilermakers defensive back Dillon Thieneman (31) intercepts a pass intended for Indiana Hoosiers wide receiver Donaven McCulley (1) during the first half at Ross-Ade Stadium. Robert Goddin-USA TODAY Sports

A season ago, Purdue football freshman Dillon Thieneman took the Big Ten and football by storm.

Theineman finished with 106 tackles, six interceptions and earned All-Big Ten honors and All-American status as a true freshman.

Thieneman and his Purdue football teammates opened spring practice this week and head coach Ryan Walters was a bit pleased when talking about his defensive standout.

“It’s a great story, right? Like you got a freshman from right down the street, who stays home and accomplishes what he accomplished. 106 tackles and six interceptions, that’s crazy. His legacy will now be etched in Purdue history forever and to do that in year one is remarkable and the scary thing is he’s only gonna get better. That’s just a start,” Walters said.

Thieneman ready for huge sophomore campaign with Purdue football

While Walters is pleased, Thieneman admits he was a bit surprised with his freshman season.

“I I never thought I’d be able to make it this far. I kind of, at the beginning I was like, put my head down, see where I can go. Then we made it pretty far but the journey is not done,” Thieneman said.

Safeties coach Grant O’Brien is also excited when discussing what Purdue football’s defense could look like with Thieneman leading the defense.

He admitted watching Thieneman put in work last season before his freshman campaign proved he was something special.

“I was like this guy might have something special and then it obviously translated to production on the field. He’s someone you can rely on, who pours into others. He’s resilient. He’s competitive. And it all just bundles into someone who who can compete at a high level and that’s what he did this past year.”

Purdue opens the season Aug. 31 against Indiana State.

Thank you for reading Boiler Wire, the market’s new Purdue sports outlet. Please follow us on Facebook and Twitter for the latest news and insights on your favorite Purdue athletics. For feedback, questions, concerns, or to apply for a writing position, please email us at sportswriterpg@gmail.com or direct message us on our social media. Boiler Up!