Brock Purdy, San Francisco 49ers’ star quarterback, was a third-string freshman just six years ago at Iowa State. He led the Cyclones’ offensive under the guidance of Taylor Mouser, the team’s offensive coordinator. It was during a game in training camp that Purdy showed his potential, executing a flawless goal-line rep that left onlookers, including Iowa State head coach Matt Campbell, stunned. He recognized Purdy’s exceptional skill and foresaw his future success at the college level. Purdy never relinquished his starting role and continued to lead the Cyclones to wins throughout his time at Iowa State. Campbell applauds Purdy for transforming the football program, turning the team’s belief into a consistent winning streak.
Purdy’s successful journey with the 49ers began when he caught the eyes of many as a scout team QB and he got the chance to take over as a permanent quarterback after an injury benched Jimmy Garoppolo, the team’s starter. The coach and the Cyclones’ offensive assistant Kyle Kempt believed that it was their team’s culture, filled with hard work and camaraderie, which molded Purdy into the player he has become. They viewed their program as uniquely different from those of traditional football factory teams, which was essential to Purdy’s growth.
Iowa State came across Purdy during his illness-plagued senior year in high school. Campbell saw potential in him and wanted him on the Cyclones’ team. Campbell recalls a conversation with Purdy that revealed the young man’s maturity and determination. After a successful home visit, Purdy was offered scholarships by Alabama and Texas A&M, but he still chose Iowa State. The simple, brotherly culture of the team and the locale suited Brock, enabling him to thrive.
Purdy’s strong start at Iowa State was never a given. The Cyclones had a strong start to the 2018 season but their starting QB, Kempt, injured his knee during the second game. The team struggled without Kempt and turned to Purdy. From that point on, Purdy remained as the starter and, under his leadership, the Cyclones enjoyed numerous victories including a high point during the Fiesta Bowl match against Oregon in 2020.
Coberley, the Cyclones’ head of sports medicine, attributes Purdy’s quick reflexes and anticipatory play to a unique training machine, the Dynavision D2. Purdy and his teammates would regularly compete on the machine, honing their speed and accuracy. His time on the said machine helped him refine his abilities. Campbell credits Purdy’s success to his quick thinking, and his ability to get out of tricky situations with his signature fakes.
Purdy’s confidence, maturity, and strong performance earned him immense respect from his coaches and teammates. His dedication to the team and his willingness to embrace the highs and lows of his football journey allowed him to emerge as a capable leader. In his later seasons with Iowa State, Purdy operated two different offensive styles – a spread attack and a play-action-based system – showcasing his versatility. Campbell credits Purdy’s mental toughness, control, and self-knowledge as significant qualities that differentiated him from other players. For Iowa State, Purdy’s arrival changed their history in football and put them on the map.
