Paxson's Decision

The Greenwood, Ind., star is set announce his college decision tonight. In an extremely close battle between Tennessee and Purdue, the Boilermakers look like the likely choice.

However, the 6-3, 255 pounder has one less reason to pursue Purdue. Jimmy Ladd, a former high school teammate, recently quit the Purdue football team and is back in Greenwood. Ladd was a freshman fullback.

The announcement is expected at approximately 8:00. Paxson will announce during halftime of his high school basketball game. Here is Paxson’s assessment of his two final collegiate choices.

On Purdue: "I grew up wanting to be a Boilermaker. 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.

"I don’t know if it’s pressure but it would be living out my dream. Sometimes, dreams change. I’ve got a couple of weeks to see if I’ll let mine change or not."

On Tennessee: "Who wouldn’t want to play in front of 108-thousand every home game? Knoxville is like no other place in college football. Hopefully, I would have some success and be able to play for some national championships.

"Simply put, it’s almost like a ‘wow’ factor. Anytime you can have that many people there for the Vol Walk, it’s impressive. It’s real fun; a real exciting place.

"They show you a highlight video of them working out. It’s always intense and it’s always directed at one thing: winning the national championship.

"I really think they care about their players on the field and off the field as well. These guys have shown that and that means a lot to me.

Paxson may have another decision to make in the future if he is drafted in June’s Major League Baseball draft. Paxson said he will not pursue a baseball career unless he is a high pick in the draft. He said he will focus on football in college.