Purdue's commitment surge continues as Ohio tight end/D-end makes decision
Purdue's run of commitments continued on Monday, as Ohio tight end/defensive end Jack Cravaack committed to the Boilermakers.
"It was everything about (Purdue)," Cravaack said. "I know it was the school I wanted to go to. I thought about it with my family for a week or so after I visited and knew the time was right. In my mind, even if I picked up offers from a lot of other schools, I still knew I wanted to go to Purdue and I wanted to play for Coach (Jeff) Brohm. And I knew now was the time. I didn't want to wait.
"Academically and with it being in (the Big Ten), it fit, but also I believe in the coaches and that was one of the main things. They told me they can develop me and make me into a better player and I truly believe them on that. I think they have all the resources to help me get to where I want to be. That was big, that I believe they can make me the best player I can be, and they believe in me."
Cravaack held double-digit offers, but came down to Purdue, Oregon State, Army and Toledo. Rutgers, Vanderbilt, Illinois and Pitt were among schools interested, wanting to get Cravaack to camp.
"I knew that even if them offered, I'd still want to go to Purdue," he said, "so I didn't even want to chase it."
The 6-foot-5, 220-pound Rivals.com three-star prospect from Madeira High School in Cincinnati was recruited, in effect, for both sides of the ball. When he visited West Lafayette about two weeks ago, he met with both tight ends coach Tony Levine and defensive line coach Reggie Johnson.
"I talked to them today and I think it's really 50/50," Cravaack said. "I think when I get into camp, I might start at D-end, and then I might get half time at D-end, half time at tight end. It's really up in the air, but I don't mind playing either one. It's wherever I can best help the team and get on the field that's where I want to play."
Cravaack was Purdue's fifth commitment in less than a week, joining linebacker Jaylan Alexander, quarterback Jack Plummer and defensive backs Kadin Smith and Elijah Ball.
