Future Purdue linebacker eager to join program

• West Lafayette's George Karlaftis is a 2019 Purdue commitment
• In Jeff Brohm's first season, Purdue finished 7-6 and won the Foster Farms Bowl
• Triplett had 140 tackles, including 90 solos, as a junior at Michigan City
• Purdue opens the 2018 season Aug. 30 vs. Northwestern

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Chase Triplett is all business.

No, really. The Michigan City linebacker and one of two commitments in Purdue’s 2019 class is focused on business. On the field. Off the field.

When Triplett finally arrives on campus – he hopes it’s January 2019 as a mid-year enrollee – he’ll begin his football career but also start his academic path toward owning his own business.

Football is important to Triplett. Just watch his highlights or talk to an opposing coach and you’ll quickly discover that passion. But academics are also at the top of his to-do list.

“Since Day 1, that’s all I’ve been about. Before football, before sports. I’m still a very studious guy,” Triplett said.

It’s part of his family. Triplett’s first academic memory goes back before preschool.

“My mom would sit me down and we would go over the alphabet and different things and get me ready for preschool and school in general,” he said.

The early preparation is paying off. Similar to his ability to play linebacker.

It’s the first – and really the only position – Triplett has played on defense. He started playing linebacker at the age of 10. Other than the occasional appearance at tight end and running back, linebacker is his home.

You won’t be surprised to learn Triplett idolizes the way former NFL star and linebacker Ray Lewis played the game. 

“Linebacker is perfect for me,” Triplett said. “It’s the heart of the defense and I want to be there.”

Brett Colby is quick to agree.

MATT LIGHT:Former Purdue football star sees program turning corner

PURDUE OFFSEASON:Playmakers need to develop

DAVID BLOUGH:Purdue QB clears 'mental hurdle' with spring practice performance

Colby was Kokomo’s head coach when his team played Michigan City in the Class 5A semistate in November. Kokomo won 21-14, advancing to the state finals, but Colby was concerned about Triplett all week.

“He was one of the toughest linebackers we had to block all year,” said Colby, who stepped down at Kokomo to become an assistant coach at Maconaquah and work for his son, Austin, who is starting his first season as a head coach. “I remember his motor, his tenacity. He found a way to make plays. His speed and size …”

Colby paused and took the conversation in a different direction. It wasn’t a U-turn.

He had just seen Triplett on Sunday at The Griddy Awards, which is sponsored by the Indiana Football Digest and Regional Radio Sports Network. Triplett, along with the top players in the state – including West Lafayette and Purdue 2019 commitment George Karlaftis – were in attendance.

FILM: Chase Triplett

Colby, whose previous coaching stops include Frankfort and South Newton, approached Triplett, who is listed at 6-foot-3 and 220 pounds.

“I think he’s grown two or three inches since our game last year. He’s big and physical,” Colby said. “I went up and shook his hand and said, ‘Hey, I wish you all the best. I hope you win one more game this year and get to the state finals and have a great career at Purdue.’ He thanked me. Great humble, young man.”

He’s fully committed to the Boilermakers. Once coach Jeff Brohm offered a scholarship, Triplett accepted and pledged his future to the Boilermakers. That was in February and nothing has changed.

Triplett isn’t wavering.

“I have shut it down completely,” he said of the recruiting process. “I’m very happy. I’m happy with the love that Purdue gives me.”

That love includes keeping him at linebacker, his position. He can play in the middle and also develop into a pass rusher off the edge. Triplett believes he’s suited for an outside position, but ultimately co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Nick Holt will decide.

While Triplett waits to join Purdue’s program – he can’t sign until December – running track and preparing for his senior season on the football field ranks among his priorities. He’s big and strong but also has speed. He runs the 100, 200 and is a member of Michigan City’s 4x100 relay team.

Credit Triplett’s success to his awareness about his body. He joined the varsity as a freshman and realized he was overmatched physically. The weight room became his second home and it’s where his idea of owning his own gym and fitness center was born.

“I knew I had to physically get my body right and ever since then fitness has been my thing. I love it,” said Triplett, who will enroll in the Krannert School of Business at Purdue. 

He spends five days a week in the gym. This is more about building strength. Triplett is interested in nutrition, learning at an early age what to eat and what not to eat. Water. Fruits and vegetables. Protein and carbohydrates are on the list.

He gives himself a cheat day.

“That might be two donuts,” Triplett said, laughing. “It varies to what I’m craving at the time.”

Right now, Triplett is craving his future as a Boilermaker.

“It’s just an amazing environment from the coaches to the players to the fans, the academics speak for itself,” said Triplett, who had 140 tackles, including 90 solos as a junior.  “It’s one of the top schools in the country. You could tell the program is on the rise and it’s a great fit for me.”