NATIONAL SIGNING DAY

Purdy, Enis highlight big day for high school stars

Quarterback Brock Purdy of Gilbert Perry High School announces on Wednesday that he is headed to Iowa State University to further his football career.

Gilbert Perry quarterback Brock Purdy, whose pocket patience led the Pumas to their first state football final, showed that quality in his recruiting down the stretch.

It paid off Wednesday when he announced in a packed Perry auditorium that he will continue playing football at Iowa State.

Purdy choked up at times while reading off a long list of people he thanked, including his brother Chubba, a sophomore quarterback at Perry, who figures to be his successor. Chubba and Brock’s parents went on all five of his official visits together.

“If you’re trying to see a result right away, it’s probably not going to be like that,” Purdy said of the recruiting process. “I think everyone has to be patient in everything. I think patience was key. My faith carried me through this. Without my Lord and Savior, I don’t think I’m really here.

“Just stay patient, stay positive and have good character off the field.”

Purdy was twice named All-Arizona by azcentral sports and was among three finalists for last year’s Sports Awards Football Player of the Year.

But his recruiting never took off until he ripped apart the vaunted secondaries of Phoenix Mountain Pointe in the 6A semifinals and Chandler in the state final.

Even though he came up just short in a 6A shootout, Purdy found recruiting life after his high school career ended with offers from Boise State, Iowa State, Kansas,