Coach Danny Hope today announced that former Boilermaker Nick Cavallo will join the staff as a graduate assistant. Cavallo will work with the defense.

Cavallo returns to Purdue from Rutgers, where he was working in player development since July of 2008. Football-wise, he assisted in video breakdown and scout team preparations, and off the field, he mentored student-athletes while coordinating study table sessions. Cavallo worked closely with former Purdue assistant coach Gary Emanuel, now an assistant with the Scarlet Knights.

"Nick was a high-motor guy as a player with a lot of enthusiasm," Hope said. "Those are the qualities you want in a graduate assistant. He comes highly recommended from his coaches. He's also familiar with Purdue. I'm excited to have him join our staff. Likewise, it's a great opportunity for Nick to get in with our defensive coaches from the start as they develop our core principles."

Cavallo was a member of the Boilermakers from 2002 to 2006, primarily as a backup defensive end and special teams performer. He came to Purdue from Milford Academy in January of 2002 and that fall received the team's Verle H. Campbell Scout Team Award for offense as a scout team tight end. He subsequently moved to defensive tackle before settling at defensive end in 2003. In 41 career games, Cavallo recorded 15 tackles, including one sack, with two pass breakups and one forced fumble.

As a senior, Cavallo received the team's Leonard Wilson Award for unselfishness and dedication after appearing in all 14 games and making 11 tackles. He had a career-high four tackles vs. Minnesota on Sept. 23, 2006, forced a fumble at Iowa on Oct. 7, 2006, and came up with a sack at Northwestern on Oct. 14, 2006.

"I am excited about the opportunity to return to my alma mater and be a part of Coach Hope's staff," Cavallo said. "There is so much positive energy around the program right now. Purdue is a great school and was very good to me. I hope I can help the current players get as much out of their experience as I did out of mine."

A native of Plainville, Conn., Cavallo (born Nov. 26, 1982) earned a bachelor's degree in law and society.