Purdue accepts portal pledge from Illinois rush end Calvin ‘Trey’ Smith.
One of Purdue’s portal requirements was a hasty end. The staff also identified one in Illinois’ Calvin “Trey” Smith, who committed to the Boilermakers on Tuesday. He entered the portal on April 22.
Smith, 6-4, 230 pounds, is Purdue’s third portal pledge in the spring cycle, following long snapper Nick Levy (William & Mary) and punter Keelan Crimmins (Mississippi State).
This week just keeps getting bigger and better!! Welcome @7Csmith to the Boilermaker family 🥳#BoilerUp pic.twitter.com/ZXUN0zSd4i
— Purdue Football (@BoilerFootball) May 14, 2024
Smith appeared in two games last season as a true freshman at Illinois and will have four years of eligibility.
Smith, a native of Ocoee, Fla., committed in 2022 to former Fighting Illini OLB coach Kevin Kane, who is currently Purdue’s defensive coordinator. Smith needs to bulk up, but he appears to have a bright future.
Smith is the second former Illini player to join West Lafayette this offseason, following RB Reggie Love. Smith is also the fourth rush end added by Purdue since the end of 2023, following Georgia’s C.J. Madden, Boston College’s Shitta Sillah, and Franklin College’s Jireh Ojata, who arrived this winter and participated in spring practice. Will Heldt, a sophomore, is expected to be the unit’s leader.
Smith, who graduated from high school in Florida, chose the Illini over offers from Pitt, Rutgers, Arkansas, Georgia Tech, Florida Atlantic, Indiana, Iowa State, Kansas, Michigan State, and others.
Nic Scourton, a rush end for Purdue, transferred to Texas A&M this offseason. Kydran Jenkins, the sidekick, has been moved to inside linebacker. This spring, early-arriving freshman DJ Allen entered the portal, significantly reducing depth. Smith’s addition will strengthen rush ends coach Joe Dineen’s squad.