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The book on … Drew Brees

Sporting News, The, Nov 9, 1998 by Kevin Keckler

QB, 6-1/204, Soph., Purdue

It all looks so easy for Drew Brees.

Want him to connect on a fade pass to the corner of the end zone? No problem. How about a quick-hitting crossing pattern? You got it. Perhaps a long Sideline pass is the call. Here it comes.

And so it has gone during Brees' debut season as Purdue's starting quarterback. In high school, there were indications he was a special talent--especially in the won-lost column. During his two years as a starter at Austin (Texas) Westlake High, the school was 28-0-1. Nevertheless, Brees wasn't besieged by recruiters because of his smallish frame and a knee injury he suffered at Westlake. But a rebuilding Purdue program was willing to take a chance.

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Brees' most valuable assets are his poise in the pocket, vision and accuracy. Brees, who attempted an NCAA-record 83 passes in a loss at Wisconsin last month, gave an indication of his ability in his first college start, a season-opening defeat at Southern California in the Pigskin Classic, Completing 30-of-52 passes for 248 yards and two touchdowns. The passes haven't stopped flying since, as Brees has hit 266-of-394 for 2,982 yards and a school-record 24 touchdowns.

Brees, who ranks sixth in the nation in total offense, was at his best in a 56-21 victory over Minnesota in October, completing 31-of-36 passes for a school-record 522 yards and six touchdowns. His ability to make reads and spread the ball around makes the Boilermakers one of the toughest teams in the nation to defend. Brees will have to keep firing, since 5-4 Purdue must win two of its last three games to be eligible for a bowl.

The book on … Drew Brees

Sporting News, The, Nov 9, 1998 by Kevin Keckler

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