In the battle for an in-state recruiting standout, Purdue came away victorious against rival Indiana. Four-star defensive end Joe Strickland committed to Purdue’s Class of 2022.

The 6-foot-4, 233-pound  Strickland, a native of Indianapolis, is ranked as the No. 6 prospect in Indiana and 29th overall defensive lineman in the nation by 247Sports.

Strickland cites proximity to his family as a major factor in his choice.

“At the end of the day I didn’t think I’d end up in Indiana, but Stanford is like 20 hours away. I would never see my little brother play a basketball game,” Strickland said via Rivals. “It’s more of a family-thing, me looking at it long term. Purdue is a great school and I’m taking an opportunity where I am an hour away from home. I am still in college and can at least see my brother play a basketball game.”

Strickland took his first official visit to Purdue in June, according to the Journal and Courier.

Strickland is the third in-state commitment in the Class of 2022 for Purdue, along with Gibson Southern quarterback Brady Allen and Fort Wayne Snider linebacker Domanick Moon.