Paxson To Purdue

As first reported on Govolsxtra.com, Paxson committed to Purdue Friday, announcing his decision at halftime of his high school basketball game.

"I wanted to have fun with the process and just keep an open mind," Paxson told the Indianapolis Star. "I told (Tennessee coach Phillip Fulmer) I would be honest with him and I was. I gave Tennessee every opportunity.

"But when it comes down to it, you've got to do what your heart says, not what everybody else says. And that's to be a Boilermaker."

Paxson, who received the Gatorade Player of the Year award for Indiana Friday night, was forthright about the emotional ties to Purdue even early in the recruiting process.

"I grew up wanting to be a Boilermaker," said the 6-foot-3, 255-pound defensive lineman in an earlier interview. "Playing in the Big Ten against teams like Ohio State and Michigan; winning the Big Ten and heading out to Pasadena to play in the Rose Bowl has always been something that would be a lot of fun to do.

"They’re starting to establish some tradition. Any time you can make it to 8 straight bowl games, that says something about your program.

"Obviously, it’s a great place but the question is, ‘Can they win the big game?’ Right now, they don’t have the impact players that they’re looking for. They feel like they have a good recruiting class coming in.

Paxson may have another decision to make next year. Paxson said he could sign a professional baseball contract if he is drafted high enough in Major League Baseball’s spring draft.