WEST LAFAYETTE − Purdue football defensive coordinator Kevin Kane wants the Boilermakers to adopt an identity predicated on aggressiveness and attacking.
That starts with pressuring the quarterback.
For it to function fully, a solid pass rush is a major element.
Purdue added a future piece on Wednesday in an effort to help the Boilermakers maintain that identity with the commitment of 2027 edge rusher Owen Roberts.
Roberts played at York High School outside of Chicago, where, according to Hudl, he had 61 tackles last season, including 14 for loss, 2 sacks and 16 quarterback hurries.
The 6-foot-5, 230-pound defensive end is a three-star prospect by 247Sports who had offers from four other Big Ten programs in addition to Kansas, Kansas State and Vanderbilt.
Roberts is the sixth known commitment in Purdue’s 2027 class and the second defensive add in the last two weeks, joining Andrean linebacker Ethan Reyna.
Sam King covers sports for the Journal & Courier. Email him at sking@jconline.com and follow him on X and Instagram @samueltking.
This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: Purdue football secures commitment to help shape defensive identity
Reporting by Sam King, Lafayette Journal & Courier / Lafayette Journal & Courier
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By Sam King, Lafayette Journal & Courier | USA TODAY Network
