Purdue football secures commitment from Cincinnati defensive tackle Drayden Pavey

WEST LAFAYETTE — In quotations, his social media says "Big Pav."

What Drayden Pavey's bio underneath soon will say is Purdue football commit.

Pavey, a three-star defensive lineman, sat at a table in the gymnasium of Cincinnati's Taft High School on Tuesday. From the three hats placed on the table, Pavey picked up a black cap with a gold emblazoned Purdue 'P' logo and placed it on his head to applause.

Pavey chose Purdue over Wisconsin and Indiana as finalists among his 22 Division I scholarship offers.

Pavey, listed at 6-foot-3 and 294 pounds, becomes the 10th member of the 2025 recruiting class for Purdue coach Ryan Walters and staff.

Pavey is the fifth commit since the beginning of June during a pivotal summer recruiting period.

The 2025 class as of now

Last week, Purdue flipped Hammond receiver Lebron Hill from Louisville, packaging him with fellow in-state products Cameron Gorin, an offensive lineman from Hamilton Southeastern and son of former Purdue standout Brandon Gorin, and Elkhart running back Jaron Thomas as well as Landon Brooks, an edge rusher from Delta High School in Muncie.

In June, Purdue also secured a verbal commitment from Cleveland tight end Brian Kortovich.

In August, Texas quarterback Sawyer Anderson became the first member of the recruiting class. Running back Ziaire Stevens (Ohio), defensive end Rashad Jones (Michigan) and offensive lineman Takhyian Whitset (Tennessee) all verbally committed during the high school calendar year.

Sam King covers sports for the Journal & Courier. Email him at sking@jconline.com and follow him on Twitter and Instagram @samueltking.