Kawann Short’s goals are clearly in front of him now.
Purdue’s talented defensive tackle flirted with the idea of leaving school early and going to the NFL. But the East Chicago, Ind., native is back for one more season and is looking for big things.
“To come back and be one of those top defensive linemen in the nation, as far as competing against the guys from the SEC,” Short said of his season goals.
Short submitted paperwork to the NFL Draft Advisory Board, which is comprised of a group of general managers and personnel directors. They projected Short as a third-round selection based solely on game film.
Shortly after this year’s NFL Draft ended, Short’s name was already mentioned as a 2013 first-round pick.
“I feel like I can do a lot better if I come back and do what I need to do to get there — being more consistent and being a little stronger and having that ability to come out of the game and not look tired,” Short said.
Short had 54 tackles last season and collected a team-high 17 tackles for loss, including 6.5 sacks. He also blocked two kicks en route to first-team All-Big Ten honors.
“Even though he had a heck of a year, I think he can play a lot better and he can be a dominant player on the national level,” Purdue coach Danny Hope said. “He has to continue working hard and get himself in great shape and play all out every down.”
Short may receive an opportunity to showcase his versatility under new defensive coordinator Tim Tibesar. At Kansas State, Tibesar ran a 3-4 defense, which is different from Purdue’s normal alignment.
In 2011, Short (6-3, 310) played several snaps at defensive end.
“I wasn’t just being that big guy in the middle clogging things up,” he said. “If I can move around, it’s a good thing. Moving out to end
is pretty big as far as speed. Coaches believe
I have the speed to get around my man.”
Although his family was prepared to support whichever decision he made, Short said earning a degree remains one of his top priorities.
“My senior year in high school, I had to do
a lot just to get into college,” Short said. “My mom wants to see me graduate and walk across the stage. That was one of the biggest reasons — to graduate and do everything right.”