Following his selection as the 262nd overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, Brock Purdy, originally labeled “Mr. Irrelevant,” excelled with the San Francisco 49ers under a budget-friendly contract. Starting as the third-string quarterback, he was propelled to challenge NFL legends due to injuries to Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo.
Before making a name for himself in the NFL, his college football experience paved the way for his success. Let’s explore the dynamic career of this quarterback sensation, tracing his impactful journey through the NCAA ranks.
Brock Purdy college team: All the details that you need
Brock Purdy’s journey to becoming a football standout began at Perry High School in Gilbert, Arizona, where he clinched prestigious awards such as the Arizona Gatorade Football Player of the Year and the Arizona Republic’s High School Football Player of the Year. His stellar high school career set the stage for his entry into Iowa State University, where he also left an enduring mark on the Cyclones football team.
Nevertheless, after arriving at Iowa State, he faced the challenge of not being the starting quarterback initially. He started as the third string, yet his ascent mirrored the unexpected success stories seen for him during his college career, akin to emerging from “Mr. Irrelevant” with the 49ers.
His breakthrough moment came just five games into his freshman season, which catapulted him into the role of the starting quarterback.
Purdy’s tenure at Iowa State spanned four impactful years. It coincided with a significant milestone for the football program. During this period, the Cyclones achieved four consecutive winning seasons, marking a historic accomplishment for the school’s football program, which was the first since 1923–1927.
Exploring Brock Purdy’s NCAA career stats
Brock Purdy’s NCAA career is a tale of talent and record-breaking success. Over four seasons with the Cyclones, he appeared in 48 games and amassed a total of 12,170 passing yards, 81 touchdown passes, 1,177 rushing yards, and 19 rushing touchdowns, per NCAA.
In his debut season in 2018, Purdy wasted no time making an impact. Though he played in just 10 games, he amassed an impressive 2,250 passing yards and 16 touchdowns. His dual-threat ability was evident, as he also contributed 308 rushing yards and found the end zone five times on the ground.
The following year, the 49ers starter elevated his game to new heights as a sophomore in 2019. He emerged as one of the nation’s top quarterbacks, throwing for a career-best 3,982 yards and 27 touchdowns.
His junior campaign in 2020 saw him record a completion percentage of 67%. He demonstrated precision passing while tallying 2,750 yards through the air and 19 touchdowns. Additionally, he showcased his ability to make plays with his legs, adding 382 rushing yards and five touchdowns to his impressive stat line.
In his final season with the Cyclones in 2021, the former Cyclones player maintained a remarkable completion rate of 72% while throwing for 3,188 yards and 19 touchdowns. While his rushing production dipped slightly, he remained a threat on the ground with 238 yards and one touchdown.
Throughout his collegiate career, he shattered numerous college records, cementing his status as one of Iowa State’s all-time greats. His impact on the program is undeniable, with 34 different school records bearing his name. From passing yards to touchdown passes, Purdy’s name is synonymous with excellence in Cyclone football history.
