Purdue edges rival Indiana for in-state prospect, 4-star DE out of Indianapolis
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.
100% Committed #Boilerup pic.twitter.com/S9rmv8LJ5w
— Joe Strickland. (@J3stripe) July 22, 2021
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.