Defensive Linemen A High Priority For Purdue

It's little secret that defensive linemen are difficult to come by. That’s why the Boilermakers will continue to heavily recruit Anthony Spencer and Chase Pressley this fall.

Spencer’s name might sound familiar as he is one of the best players from Indiana. The Fort Wayne Luers defensive end has been offered scholarships by Purdue, Indiana and Michigan State but has yet to decide on a leader. The 6-4, 240-pound defensive end was supposed to attend a one-day camp in West Lafayette July 22, but he was a no-show.

When contacted by Gold & Black Illustrated last week, Spencer said, "I like Purdue a lot. To be honest, I’m surprised that I’m being recruited because I never thought I’d develop into a great player."

Spencer’s size, coupled with 4.6 speed in the 40-yard dash, have attracted the three Big Ten offers, as well as more interest. Depending on how Spencer plays this fall, he could put himself in a position to be looked at by more schools. As a junior, Spencer had 116 tackles and 14 sacks from the nose guard position. He also plays running back.

"I’ll take all five visits and see who I like best then," said Spencer, who still has some work to do academically. "I think I want to stay close to home, though."

Pressley, on the other hand, doesn't expect to have any problem going to school far from home. The Fort Smith, Ark., native is looking at Purdue, Texas A&M, Vanderbilt, Illinois, Tulsa and Arkansas as possible college choices. The 6-4, 280-pounder (4.9 speed) has offers from all those schools, and is hoping Florida, Oklahoma, Notre Dame and Nebraska show more interest after a solid senior campaign.

"I like a bunch of schools and it’s hard to tell who is where, but I do know Purdue sends more letters to me than the rest," said Pressley, who helped lead his team to a 12-2 record last fall.

Pressley, who is considered by many to be the top prospect in Arkansas this year, expects to take two or three official visits this fall to help produce a more clear-cut list of leaders. He expects a trip to West Lafayette to be one of those.

"I really like Purdue," Pressley said. "I watched them in the Rose Bowl and they really caught my eye. I remember Drew Brees, man he was great. I just like the way Purdue plays as a team."

Pressley, who has a 2.9 GPA and an 18 on the ACT, describes himself as a leader on the field who tries to encourage his teammates to always play until the whistle blows. Last fall, Pressley registered 64 tackles, 18 for losses, 13 sacks, four fumbles caused and two fumble recoveries.

"I am enjoying the recruiting process, so far," Pressley said. "I’m just looking for a school with a fun coaching staff, great atmosphere and somewhere I can get a great education."