TJ Sheffield

For The Tennessean

The Tennessean has asked members of this year's Dandy Dozen to submit an essay in their own words why they signed with their school on Wednesday.

Here is what Independence senior TJ Sheffield said about his signing with Purdue.

I committed to the Purdue University football program because of their graduation rate, great coaching staff and their amazing campus. Purdue has always been one of my top spots along with Ohio State University, Notre Dame, University of Arkansas and the University of Louisville.

While on my official visit, the coaching staff and players went out there way to make us feel at home and a part of the excitement at Purdue University.

I know that I will be a great fit for the university as well as the Purdue football team. Additionally, Purdue University has one of the greatest engineering programs and academic departments in the country.

The Purdue football program also has an offense that loves to sling the ball around. Its passing game is one of the finest in the B1G-10 (Big Ten) and probably the country.

Purdue is changing the Big Ten and I want to be apart of the movement there.

I believe Coach (Jeff) Brohm and the Purdue coaching staff will develop me into a solid student-athlete and prepare me for the next level. #Boilerup #Hammerdown