How a married 25-year-old became a leader for Purdue football defense

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Crew Wakley, a 25-year-old safety, has become a leader on Purdue’s defense since transferring from BYU in January.Wakley was an all-state quarterback in high school but transitioned to safety after a unique journey that included a two-year church mission and a stint selling solar panels.Purdue defensive backs coach Charles Clark highlights Wakley’s maturity and game day experience as valuable assets to the team.

WEST LAFAYETTE − The conversation at Purdue football practice took a turn when cornerback Tony Grimes mentioned his upcoming 23rd birthday next week.

Grimes, a sixth-year senior at his fourth college program, felt like the old man in the secondary until safety Crew Wakley one upped him.

“I didn’t take a defensive snap until I was 23, which is crazy to think about,” Wakley said.

Wakley has become a leader of Purdue’s defense since transferring from BYU in January.

The leadership role was natural for a 25-year-old Wakley, who will celebrate five years of marriage this July.

Grimes mentions Wakley’s vocal leadership, which stems from his maturity and experience as a quarterback, as a positive for Purdue’s defense.

More: First college start at 17 years old has transfer poised for Purdue quarterback battle

Wakley was an all-state quarterback at Jordan High in Sandy, Utah, totaling 4,431 yards of total offense and 43 touchdowns.

That was eight years ago.

Since then, Wakley went on a two-year church mission trip before starting college as a Utah State quarterback at age 20. The Aggies played just six games in 2020 with Wakley not seeing the field. He played four games in 2021.

After going through three coaching staffs in two years, Wakley moved on.

“I…

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Publish date : 2025-04-04 08:02:00

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