When it comes to the Class of 2025, Purdue football has positioned itself nicely when it comes to the recruitment of Robert Taft High School (OH) defensive tackle Drayden Pavey.
The 6-foot-3-inch, 294-pound standout recently unveiled his top eight and Purdue football made the cut. Also in the eight were: 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.
Pavey received an offer from Purdue at camp last year, but wasn’t sure he was going to get one until he separated himself during 1v1 drills.
“I had a rep that took everybody by storm and you could hear everybody go, “oooooooo.” That’s when I knew I locked it in. Coach Preston has vouched for me, too,” Pavey said.
Since then, he has worked to build a 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 can see himself playing in Purdue’s defense.
“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.
Pavey plans to visit Purdue in the spring and announce his commitment this summer.
“My goals are to break the Ohio all-time sacks record in a season, and get better every day,” Pavey said.
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