Head coach breakdown: D’Mon Marable

Purdue landed its fifth commitment in the 2024 class on Monday afternoon when safety D’Mon Marable of Clinton (Tenn.) High School announced his pledge to Ryan Walters and company. Marable chose the Boilermakers over offers from Ole Miss, Georgia Tech, Louisville and Eastern Kentucky.

His head coach, Darell Keith, spoke with GoldandBlack.com to talk about Marable and what he will bring to West Lafayette.

GoldandBlack.com: What type of player is Marable?

Keith: An old-school, run-a-lot type of guy. I think what’s impressive about him is he’s a venerable kid. You know, comes from very humble beginnings. I think one of the things I like about D’Mon is that the moment never gets too big. He’s always calm, he’s always collected, and he’s not a guy who’s going to do a lot of talking. He’s very coachable. It doesn’t matter how much fame he gets at Purdue; he’s always going to be approachable and talk to everybody. He’s a blue-collar guy.

GoldandBlack.com: What do you think set Purdue apart from the other schools who offered?

Keith: When we entered the building, the whole staff standing there and shaking his hand really set the tone. D’Mon comes from humble beginnings, and my best friend is Brick Haley. I played college ball with him and hadn’t seen him in 35 years. When Brick assured me that he was going to be there, that played a factor. We played together at Alabama A&M back in 1986, and that was a sense of security. But I think what really sold it was the professionalism of the staff, and I think he really liked the enthusiasm and improvements they’re going to make there. I think he can come in right now and help Purdue, and he definitely fits into their defensive scheme.

GoldandBlack.com: What are his strengths as a safety?

Keith: He’s able to get downhill really fast and attack the ball carrier for losses. One of his greatest strengths is identifying the ball carrier and making downhill tackles.

GoldandBlack.com: What type of competition does Clinton play? How big of a school is it?

Keith: In my opinion, 5A football in Tennessee is the best in the nation. Look at some of the kids who have come through here: Walter Nolen, DeSean Bishop, Randall Cobb. Our rival school is Tee Higgins‘ school (Oak Ridge HS). They’re all from Knoxville.

GoldandBlack.com: Is there anything else Purdue fans should know about D’Mon?

Keith: He runs track. He’s a humble, approachable kid who won’t get into trouble. He’s going to be quiet and guarded, but approachable at the same time.

More: Purdue nets commitment from Tennessee S D’Mon Marable, Purdue’s 2024 commitments

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