It has been a couple of years, but Purdue finally has a Thieneman back on the roster. After big brothers Jacob and Brennan successfully worked from walk-on to starter in the secondary, the next brother is here as a true freshman on scholarahip.

Dillon Thieneman - Fr.

Carmel, IN (Westfield HS)

6', 205 pounds

Defensive Back

2023 Projection: Contributor

It says a lot that Thieneman is already turning some heads as a true frehsman. With the legacy his brothers had at Purdue just a short time ago it seemed like he was a lock, much like the Anthrops. He was a three-star recruit last season at Westfield and finished with 246 tackles, 11 for loss, 5 interceptions, and 11 pass breakups in his career. As a sophomore and a junior he played a large role as Westfield reached the Class 6A state title game each time before losing to Center Grove. During those two seasons Westfield was a combined 24-4, losing only to Center Grove in the championship game each time and eventual 5A champ Cathedral in the season opener twice.

His success came against some of the best the state of Indiana has to offer. Purdue walk-on receiver Trey Firestone was one of his opponents, as was former receiver Preston Terrell. Last year he faced off against rising 2025 prospect Eugene Hilton.

Thieneman has impressed enough so far that he might avoid a redshirt year this year. He may not start, but he has risen on the depth chart and should see plenty of action at safety, while also being a special teams possibility.

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