Illinois Football: Ryan Walters Strikes Again

Former Illinois Football Defensive End Headed for Purdue

Defensive end Calvin “Trey” Smith decided to step away from the Illinois Football program on April 22nd, 2024. Hitting the transfer market with 4 years of eligibility yet to play. The freshman was recruited to Illinois by former Linebackers coach Kevin Kane. Who, exited the program to follow former Illinois Defensive Coordinator Ryan Walters to Purdue. Of course, Walters took over as head coach for the Boilermakers, and Kevin Kane was promoted to a defensive coordinator role. Naturally, Calvin is now headed east for West Lafayette, IN. An opportunity to work his way into a more progressive role for the Boilers.

Purdue has landed a portal commitment from Illinois rush end Calvin "Trey" Smith.https://t.co/iLh63VLaEP pic.twitter.com/j5XVqBhCb1

— GoldandBlack.com (@GoldandBlackcom) May 14, 2024

Impact

Certainly, Smith has the potential to develop into a productive defensive end in the Big Ten. Although, he has little experience thus far. He saw the field twice as a true freshman and did not accumulate recorded stats. Calvin sizes up at 6’4 and 230lbs, giving him the natural size to work with, and develop, as he works to to dominate Big Ten offensive lines. Additionally, his film shows that he has quickness off the ball and strong natural athleticism. Calvin hosts the intangibles to grow into an NFL-caliber player. Of course, with the proper development and strength training required.

Ryan Walters and Kevin Kane are very smart defensive minds, who have proven themselves as developers in this league. Cultivating major steps forward in the careers of defensive players Quan Martin, Sydney Brown, Devon Witherspoon, Keith Randolph, Johnny Newton, and Kerby Joseph. Certainly, the pair could have a very positive impact on Calvin’s progression forward.

Walters Strikes Again

Smith is now the 2nd Illini of the off-season to transfer to Purdue, along with former RB Reggie Love III. Love decided to swap his orange and blue out for black and gold to follow Corey Patterson. Initially, Corey was Isaiah Williams and Reggie Loves’ high school coach at Trinity Catholic. Furthermore, hired by Illinois to help open up the St. Louis pipeline, and coach tight ends/running backs. In 2022, Corey departed Illinois to take over as associate head coach, and wide receivers coach at Purdue.