Tranquill chooses Purdue
Fort Wayne (Ind.) Carroll safety/linebacker Drue Tranquill had one of the meteoric rises on the recruiting scene over the last two months. On Tuesday, though, the three-star prospect announced he had ended his recruitment.
"Ultimately, it came down to Purdue, Cincinnati and IU," Tranquill said. "After visiting all three, getting to know the coaching staffs better and being around the players, I ended up choosing to commit to Purdue."
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Purdue had long-thought to be the team to beat for Tranquill coming down the stretch, but the Fort Wayne-area prospect noted his choice was the result of much research.
"I thought it was the all-around best fit for me based on the criteria I identified that I wanted in a school," Tranquill said. "First, they have my degree, which is Engineering. Secondly, it was just the coaching staff and how they meshed with the players.
"Every time I went down there I just got a great vibe from everyone. They felt like family and were welcoming to me and my family, so I appreciated that. Third, was the school location, distance from home and opportunity to play early."
The 6-foot-2, 205-pound Tranquill is not a native Indianan - spending most of his life in the state of Florida - but he has adopted the pride of his new home state and is excited to represent that during his college career.
"Growing up in the South I came up here questioning why my family was moving here," Tranquill said. "But I have really felt at home here. I take pride in it now and am really glad to represent Purdue University and an in-state school.
"I'm glad guys like Gelen Robinson, Kirk Barron and other in-state targets are all on the same page and we're going to turn Purdue around and create a legacy of our own."
Tuesday's announcement, though, was a chance for Tranquill to sit back and appreciate where he has come and where he is going.
"I'm thankful for everything that has taken place and relieved to get it over with," he said.