These days it seems like Purdue has started to capitalize on its "Cradle of Quarterbacks" moniker, landing two highly ranked quarterback prospects in Austin Appleby and Danny Etling the past two years. Add another name to that growing list of acclaimed quarterbacks choosing Purdue, with Elite 11 quarterback David Blough giving his commitment to Coach Darrell Hazell earlier today.
The 6-foot-1 quarterback chose Purdue over offers from Memphis and New Mexico State, but had begun to see his stock skyrocket since receiving an invitation to the Elite 11 Quarterback Camp on May 7. The offer came from Purdue's very own Drew Brees via Twitter.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>On behalf of coach <a href="https://twitter.com/TDESPN">@TDESPN</a> the 5th Golden Ticket to the <a href="https://twitter.com/Elite11">@Elite11</a> Finals goes to fellow TX QB <a href="https://twitter.com/David_Blough10">@David_Blough10</a> Welcome to the fraternity David</p>— Drew Brees (@drewbrees) <a href="https://twitter.com/drewbrees/statuses/331839248426749953">May 7, 2013</a></blockquote>
The honor wasn't lost on Blough, telling the Star Local News,
"To have it announced by my hero, a guy I admire for everything he does on and off the football field was incredible...Just to have Drew Brees saying we have anything in common was enough."
Blough had also started to see interest from the likes of Oklahoma State, Nebraska, TCU, and Oklahoma. After attending Purdue's camp on Friday, Blough sat down with Coach Hazell earlier this weekend, where Hazell informed him that the coaching staff plans on taking two quarterbacks in the next recruiting class. Many worried what impact that could have on Blough's decision, but he told the Lafayette Journal and Courier that he welcomed the competition.
Blough is a three-year starter, completing 251 of 477 passes (56 percent) for 3,363 yards and 28 TDs. His most recent season saw him go for 1,777 and a 17 to 3 TD/INT ratio. Blough has a strong arm and quick release, perfecting his mechanics under former Texas A&M quarterback Kevin Murray, who has pupils at Alabama and UCLA, among other schools. Blough is rated as a 3-star prospect and ranked as the No. 29 pro-style quarterback, according to 247sports.com.
Look for Blough on ESPN as part of their annual Elite 11 special, edited down into an hourly reality TV broadcast. The camp takes place the weekend of June 28 at the Nike Facility in Oregon and is hosted by Trent Dilfer.
You can check out his video highlights below:
David Blough class of 2014 Quarterback 4A Texas recruit highlight (via Rob Paschall)
You can also follow him on Twitter @David_Blough10.