Football recruiting: BGA's Antonio Stevens picks Purdue over Louisville

In the end, Battle Ground Academy senior Antonio Stevens couldn't say no to Purdue coach Jeff Brohm and what the school had to offer him on and off the field.

"I've got a good relationship with the entire coaching staff," Stevens said. "Just being up there and feeling the vibe, I could tell the coaches were really genuine."

Stevens, a 6-foot-2, 182-pound safety, chose Purdue over Louisville on Wednesday. The three-star recruit is the No. 26 prospect in Tennessee and No. 42 safety in the country, according to the 247Sports Composite.

Stevens took an official visit to Purdue on June 7.

"When I came back from my official, I made a list of the pros and cons," Stevens said. "It all came down to just praying.

"I woke up and I just realized that this was the place for me."

Commitments are nonbinding for both the athlete and the school. He cannot sign until the early signing period, which begins Dec. 18.

Stevens had 15 tackles and two interceptions a year ago for the Wildcats, who finished Division II-AA state runner-up. He also had 38 catches for 667 yards and nine receiving touchdowns.

Stevens described himself as a blue-collar player for Purdue.

"They are getting a hard worker, and someone that knows the game," Stevens said. "I'm going to leave it all on the field every single play in every game."

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Reach Tom Kreager at 615-259-8089 or tkreager@tennessean.com and on Twitter @kreager.