Purdue QB Kirsch to enter draft

While we have waited and watched for the big name underclassmen like Reggie Bush, Vince Young, and LenDale White declare themselves eligible for the 2006 NFL draft, others like Purdue quarterback Brandon Kirsch also declare themselves eligible, but for very different reasons. Bush and Young will be among the first three players choosen and White is a projected solid first-round selection, all three will be sitting on huge piles of cash soon.

With much less fanfare and a much smaller payday ahead of him, Brandon Kirsch announced Friday that he will skip his senior season and enter the NFL draft. Does he think he is ready for the NFL when his coaches didn't think he was even the best option for a starting quarterback at his collage?

Kirsch started the first six games of the 2005 season before being benched in favor of sophomore quarterback Curtis Painter. Kirsch made eight appearances in total for the Boilermakers last year, throwing for 1,727 yards with seven touchdowns and eight interceptions. In addition, he rushed for 198 yards with a touchdown on 48 carries.

"I think it was like going to a theme park and riding a roller coaster all day long," Kirsch said reflecting on his Purdue career. "It was fun, but it didn't take me anywhere. I learned a lot at Purdue, but I had a lot of ups and a lot of downs."

His career at Purdue once looked very promising. As a freshman in 2002, Kirsch put former Purdue quarterback and Chicago Bear rookie quarterback Kyle Orton on the bench for four games. In doing so, he looked amazing at times but was still a freshman prone to make mistakes. In 2003, however, Kirsch was redshirted as Orton took full control of the position. In Orton's 2004 senior season, Kirsch was able to start in two games when Orton went down with an injury. After Orton graduated to the NFL, Kirsch was given the starting position and ready to show what he could do.

But Purdue head coach Joe Tiller had some issues with the junior starting quarterback and not happy with his production, they promoted sophomore Curtis Painter to starting quarterback for the October 22nd matchup against Wisconsin. Tillner wasn't upset to see his backup leave for greener pastures. "I think the NFL is in Brandon's heart, and he should follow his heart," Tiller said.

In total Kirsch started in 12 games at Purdue passing for over 3,500 yards while completing just under 60% of his passes. He finished with 23 passing touchdowns and 16 interceptions. He also rushed for 757 yards and five scores.

Like former Virginia Tech quarterback Marcus Vick, Kirsch let his collge situation determine his draft status rather than his projected position. Still he remains optimistic stating, "If there was any time for me to move onto the next level, the best time was going to be now. I'm definitely more marketable than if I had not taken a snap this (next) season." Kirsch also stated, "I went through the evaluation process, talked to a lot of people, and got some good reviews. That made the decision a little easier. I'm excited about the opportunity."

Good luck with your future career Brandon, looks like you will need it. His college coach added, "We wish him the best of luck."

Kirsch joins two other Purdue players who have declared for the 2006 NFL draft, defensive end Ray Edwards and strong safety Bernard Pollard will also be making the leap. He is the fourth underclassmen quarterback to enter the draft along with the previously mentioned Vince Young and Marcus Vick, along with Omar Jacobs of Bowling Green.

Note: Underclassmen have until Sunday (1/15) to delare themselves eligible for the draft. Those who do have until Thursday (1/19) to change their minds.