CINCINNATI — Taft High School senior defensive tackle Drayden Pavey announced Tuesday morning his verbal commitment to Purdue University.
"I think the fan base is real good," Pavey said. "I went up to a couple games and one in particular the Ohio State game and it was definitely a crazy atmosphere."
Pavey, who is listed at 6 feet 3 and 290 pounds, considered Wisconsin, Purdue and Indiana as his three finalists. He had 22 scholarship offers overall, according to Taft coach Tyler Williams.
Taft senior DT Drayden Pavey commits to Purdue. @WCPO @BoilerFootball pic.twitter.com/jkrtnUyrpr
— Mike Dyer (@MikeDyer) July 2, 2024
Pavey, a three-star recruit by 247 Sports, is rated Ohio’s No. 46 player overall in the 2025 class by the 247 Sports Composite. He said he built a significant rapport with the coaching staff.
Purdue offered a scholarship to Pavey after a camp in early June 2023. He made a silent verbal commitment to Purdue about a month ago.
"(Purdue defensive line coach) Brick Haley gives me a text every day to check on me, see how I'm doing," Pavey said. "I just feel like I fit their scheme really well. It gives me a chance to play early and I like to compete. So Big Ten is where I need to be."
Pavey had several other scholarship offers including the University of Cincinnati, West Virginia, Miami University, Colorado State, Vanderbilt, Pittsburgh, Michigan State, North Carolina State and others.
"I'm so excited for him," Williams said. "He's put in a lot of work on and off the field. His family has done an amazing job raising a great young man. I think he will do an amazing job at Purdue. They did an amazing job recruiting him. They have an amazing staff that's there. This is going to be a great opportunity for Drayden."
Pavey is eligible to sign a National Letter of Intent during the NCAA’s early signing period starting Dec. 4. He plans to study kinesiology at Purdue.
"I've grown up around sports so that's what I want to stay around because I have a passion for sports," Pavey said.
Taft, which earned a 9-3 record in 2023, opens this season at Pleasure Ridge Park (Louisville, Ky.) Aug. 23. The Senators' home opener is against Chaminade Julienne at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 30 at Stargel Stadium.
Pavey also plays offensive tackle and kicks, punts and plays tight end for the Senators.
"The sky is the limit for him as a player on and off the field, in the classroom, in the community," Williams said. "I don't think there is a limit on how good he can be and how far he can go."
