Defensive end tradition strong at Purdue

Watching the success of the defensive ends was an attractive drawing card for Kerrigan, who attended Muncie Central.

“The tradition of defensive ends here is a big reason why I came to Purdue,” Kerrigan said.

Nine of the ends played for or was recruited by Joe Tiller and his staff, including defensive coordinator Brock Spack and assistant coach Randy Melvin.

Colvin was presented with a choice play as a slow linebacker or a fast defensive end.

“I chose the opportunity to be a fast defensive end, even though I was overmatched when it came to weight and size,” Colvin said.

“(Melvin) changed our mindset of what it was and what we did as football players,” Colvin said “Tip your hat to coach Spack for allowing us to play that style of defense rush the passer first and react to the run and it was tailored to guys like me that were small, tweener guys who could get off on the ball and get to the quarterback.” “The biggest thing was seeing guys that had a love for the game and guys we projected that could be something special,” said former assistant coach Gary Emanuel, who worked at Purdue during two different stints and is currently the defensive line coach with Colts.

Purdue’s Den of Defensive Ends