Brock Purdy’s rise from “Mr. Irrelevant” to starting quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers has been nothing short of remarkable. Before captivating the NFL world, Purdy honed his skills and made a name for himself in college football. Fans and analysts alike are keen to understand the college background of this impressive player. So, Where Did Brock Purdy Go To College?
The answer is Iowa State University. Located in Ames, Iowa, Iowa State became the stage for Purdy’s collegiate career, where he established himself as one of the most prolific quarterbacks in Cyclone history. Let’s delve into Brock Purdy’s journey at Iowa State, exploring his stats, achievements, and the impact he made on the program.
Brock Purdy’s Collegiate Vitals
Before diving deeper, here’s a quick snapshot of Brock Purdy’s college career:
Institution: Iowa State University
Position: Quarterback
Height: 6-0
Weight: 212 pounds
Years: 2018-2021
Purdy’s consistent presence and growth over four seasons at Iowa State are clearly reflected in his year-by-year statistics:
| Year | Games | Comp | Att | Comp. % | Pass Yds | Pass TD | INT | Rush Att | Rush Yds | Rush TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 10 | 146 | 220 | 66% | 2,250 | 16 | 7 | 100 | 308 | 5 |
| 2019 | 13 | 312 | 475 | 66% | 3,982 | 27 | 9 | 93 | 249 | 8 |
| 2020 | 12 | 243 | 365 | 67% | 2,750 | 19 | 9 | 87 | 382 | 5 |
| 2021 | 13 | 292 | 407 | 72% | 3,188 | 19 | 8 | 85 | 238 | 1 |
| Career | 48 | 993 | 1,467 | 68% | 12,170 | 81 | 33 | 365 | 1,177 | 19 |
These numbers showcase Purdy’s development as a passer and his dual-threat capabilities, making him a dynamic player for the Cyclones.
From Arizona to Ames: Purdy Chooses Iowa State
Hailing from Gilbert, Arizona, Brock Purdy was a standout quarterback at Perry High School. Despite his impressive high school resume, Purdy was considered a three-star recruit. However, his talent was recognized by several major college programs. According to reports, Purdy received offers from football powerhouses like Alabama and Texas A&M, alongside Boise State and others.
Ultimately, Purdy chose Iowa State. This decision proved to be a pivotal moment for both Purdy and the Iowa State football program. He found a home in Ames where he could develop and lead, quickly becoming the face of the Cyclones.
High School Achievements Paved the Way
Brock Purdy’s success at Iowa State was built upon a foundation of excellence established during his high school years. At Perry High School, Purdy consistently demonstrated his quarterback prowess. In his senior season of 2017, he set an Arizona Conference 6A record by throwing for an astounding 4,410 yards and 57 touchdowns. Adding to his versatility, Purdy also rushed for 1,106 yards and 10 touchdowns that same year.
His senior season accolades included being named the Arizona Gatorade Player of the Year. By the end of his high school career, Purdy had amassed 8,937 passing yards and 107 touchdowns, all while maintaining a solid 3.8 GPA. Despite losing two state championship games, his individual brilliance was undeniable, setting the stage for his college journey at Iowa State.
Memorable Moments and Milestones at Iowa State
Brock Purdy’s career at Iowa State was filled with standout performances and program-defining victories. Here are just a few of his most notable college games:
- October 6, 2018 vs. Oklahoma State: In his debut performance after being moved up from backup, Purdy threw for 318 yards and four touchdowns, while also rushing for another touchdown in a 48-42 victory. This game signaled the arrival of a new star for the Cyclones.
- September 21, 2019 vs. Louisiana-Monroe: Purdy set an Iowa State single-game record for total offense, accounting for 510 yards and six touchdowns (three passing, three rushing) in a dominant 72-20 win.
- October 3, 2020 vs. Oklahoma: In a significant upset, Purdy led Iowa State to a 37-30 victory over Oklahoma, a program they had struggled against historically. This win was a testament to Purdy’s leadership and Iowa State’s growing competitiveness.
- January 2, 2021 vs. Oregon (Fiesta Bowl): Purdy was named the Offensive MVP of the Fiesta Bowl as he guided Iowa State to a 34-17 victory over Oregon, securing a major bowl win for the program.
- October 23, 2021 vs. Oklahoma State: In another crucial game against Oklahoma State, Purdy orchestrated his seventh career fourth-quarter comeback, leading the Cyclones to a 24-21 victory over the No. 8 ranked team.
These games highlight not only Purdy’s statistical achievements but also his clutch performances in critical moments, further solidifying his legacy at Iowa State.
Accolades and Recognition for a Stellar College Career
Brock Purdy’s impact at Iowa State was not only felt on the field but also recognized through numerous awards and honors. His college accolades include:
- Big 12 Sportsman of the Year (2022)
- First Team All-Big 12 (2020, 2021)
- Second Team All-Big 12 (2019, 2021)
- Fiesta Bowl Offensive MVP (2020)
- Academic All-American honors multiple times, recognizing his commitment to both academics and athletics.
These awards, among others, underscore Brock Purdy’s all-around excellence as a student-athlete at Iowa State University.
Iowa State: The Launchpad for Purdy’s NFL Journey
Brock Purdy’s college career at Iowa State University was instrumental in preparing him for the NFL. He honed his skills, gained valuable experience, and demonstrated the leadership qualities that are now evident in his professional career. For fans wondering, “where did Brock Purdy go to college?”, the answer is Iowa State – a place where he transformed from a three-star recruit into a college football standout and ultimately, an NFL quarterback. His journey from Ames to the NFL serves as an inspiring example of development, dedication, and seizing opportunities.
