Head coach breakdown: Purdue 2025 OL commitment Takhyian Whitset

Takhyian Whitset was the first offensive line commitment in Purdue’s Class of 2025, making a pledge on May 1.

A three-star prospect from Antioch High in Nashville, the 6-5, 265-pound Whitset had offers from the likes of UAB, Arkansas State, Toledo, Miami (Ohio) and Vanderbilt, among others.

Whitset took an official visit to Purdue June 7-9th after the Boilermaker staff offered Whitset on February 1. He visited unofficially on March 30th. (By the way, his first name is pronounced Tuh-KY-ann.)

GoldandBlack.com spoke to Whitset’s head coach at Antioch High– Arcentae Broome –to learn more about the Boilermaker verbal commitment.

Q: What type of player is Purdue getting?

A: It is getting a great, mannerable kid who is always smiling. I’m sure anyone who saw him on his visit will tell you that. It’s like he never has a bad day. He works hard, is very athletic. He’s one of the more athletic linemen I have seen. He walks on his toes. He’s special, quick on his feet.

Q: What does he do best?

A: His footwork. And he’s worked on his hand placement. But his footwork stands out, and having good leverage. His pass blocking is great. In run blocking, we’ve pulled him around the edge a few times. He gets on his horse and gets there. He has the ability to square up with an edge rusher. He can protect the edge on both sides.

Q: Is he a tackle at the next level?

A: He could be. I think they could kick him inside, put some weight on him. He has to gain weight. He will have to contend with some bigger guys. He could probably get up 285, 290. In his prime, he could get up to 315.

Q: What does he need to improve?

A: He just has learn, get up to speed. He has to adapt to the speed of the game. Things will be quicker. He needs to keep quick feet while gaining weight and to stay low and have good leverage. Those are the big things. He will be playing guys his size in college. That isn’t the case in high school. The o-line coach in college will really help him.

Q: Why do you think he picked Purdue?

A: Sometimes, kids have a feel. He felt it was a place he could fit. They welcomed him, and it is like a family. He really liked the culture there in the building. Purdue isn’t far from home. It isn’t like going to Florida. He liked how everyone treated him. I told him this is like a honeymoon. There will come a time for work. He understands. They really treat him well. Kids like that, to be put on pedestal. He isn’t like that. He felt good about the coaches.

Q: Does he play any defense?

A: He may play some d-tackle and defensive end. He won’t play a lot.

Q: Where does he play for you?

A: He will be our No. 1 right offensive tackle.

Q: How big is your school?

A: We are 6A, largest in Tennessee. We have a tough schedule. We have about 2,200 students.

Q: Anything else interesting?

A: He won’t follow the crowd. He is his own person. He likes to work out. He is a good, genuine kid. He likes to hang out with his teammates. We tell our guys to be mindful of the people they let in their circle. He has been careful of who he is friends with.

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