Shortly after 11:00 AM EST, Head Coach Ryan Walters posted a cryptic Tweet. An hour later, that Tweet turned into some of the best recruiting news Purdue has ever received.
The 29th-ranked player in the 2025 class and the 5th overall-ranked cornerback committed verbally to Purdue. Instead of waiting until January, he could reclassify and join the Boilermakers right away. Remarkably, he’s already listed in the Purdue Directory, indicating a rapid escalation.
The 6-4, 180-pound cornerback will be an instant impact starter for a secondary in dire need of help at the position. With Grant and Thieneman now leading the secondary, Purdue boasts arguably two of the best young defensive backs in the Big Ten and potential future NFL players.
Nothing like good news on a Monday. You want to see a magic trick?
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️— Ryan Walters (@Coach_Walters) May 13, 2024
According to On3, who ranks Tarrion as a 5-star cornerback, he wasn’t expected to play this fall for Siegel High School. Originally a class of 2024 player, he reclassified to 2025 before seizing the opportunity to enroll at Purdue this summer.
Expectations should be sky-high for one of the highest-ranked football commits in Purdue history. He’ll likely see the field early and often, with Walters’ man-heavy scheme allowing him to showcase his length and athleticism.
While starting a freshman defensive back in Power-5 Football is rare, especially at cornerback, Tarrion’s talent will likely demand playing time this fall.
It’s over boiler nation, I’m on they way 🚂@BoilerFootball @CoachCarterPur @Coach_Walters @NatlPlaymkrsAca @BallHawkU pic.twitter.com/f7rfjbPwpz
— Tarrion Grant (@Tarrion12) May 13, 2024
Perhaps the most impressive aspect of Tarrion’s story is that he just started playing football as a high school freshman, indicating he’s only scratching the surface of his potential. Expect Tarrion and Thieneman to form a dynamic duo for the Purdue secondary this fall.