In the Huddle: Cole Brevard

Three things to know about defensive lineman Cole Brevard:

He played lacrosse during his freshman season at Carmel.

Has a lightsabre in his apartment.

In the process of learning Japanese.

More in this conversation with Brevard, who transferred to Purdue after spending two years at Penn State.

Does No. 91 have a meaning for you?

No. It’s just a number. I started in high school with No. 90, and when I got to Penn State, it was No. 95. I realized the number doesn’t make the player; the player makes the number. Whatever number I got. It could’ve been 95 or 100, zero, I didn’t care.

Do you have a favorite number?

I like my high school number because I wore it for three straight years, and I had great success with that number, but I’m trying to make No. 91 look good.

Do you want a single-digit number?

Who doesn’t? Right. I need a zero. I know I said the player makes the number, and the number doesn’t make the player, but at the same time, it looks good.

First football memory?

I was five years old. I think I was on a little league version of the Minnesota Vikings. I just remember running laps and I kept pushing the guy in front of me for some reason. I have early memories of Pee Wee football. I was in Lawrence Township and played football in a league, and my team was the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. We always kept losing to Michigan, so that’s why I didn’t like them.

It wasn’t actually Michigan.

But they were wearing Michigan colors with the stripped helmet and everything.

Were you always a lineman, or did you carry the ball?

I was always a big kid, and they never thought to put me anywhere else but the line. I’ve never played tight end, never run a single route, I haven’t caught a touchdown pass, run the ball. Obviously, I’ve never played quarterback. I’ve played center, guard, tackle, defensive nose tackle, and defensive end. Those are the only positions I’ve played my entire life. No linebacker, no safety. I won’t be Dillion Thieneman and play 25 yards back to pick that off. I was never the fastest guy on the team.

MORE: Purdue’s offensive identity | Opponent view | Gold and Black Radio

If you could play another position outside the line, what would it be?

Honestly, I feel like I would be a good running back. I’m big – 6-foot-4, 330 (pounds). Put me in the backfield, 1-yard line, and give me the ball, and I’m scoring. Who’s going to stop me?

Remember William “The Refrigerator” Perry?

He’s a big inspiration. I also saw one of the Texas defensive tackles catch a touchdown pass, and while talking to coach (Graham) Harrell, I said, ‘Give me one of those plays.’ He hasn’t gotten back to me.

What was his response?

He laughed at me and walked away.

One thing your teammates don’t know about me?

I’ve been here for three years, and I feel like they know a lot about me.

But do they know everything?

They probably don’t know I have a lightsaber in my room. I’ve never brought it out, so they don’t know it exists. I got that when we were in Orlando at the Cheez-It Bowl against LSU. I got two lightsabers, one for me and one for my cousin. His lightsaber broke; mine didn’t.

Why did you have a lightsaber?

Who wouldn’t? It’s a lightsaber. I’m a big Star Wars fan. We went to Disney World just to go to the Star Wars store.

Why did you embrace Star Wars?

I’ve seen every movie, every show, every cartoon I can think of. It hurt when I saw James Earl Jones died. He was one of my favorites. Growing up, I think my dad introduced me to episode two, and that just looked good. I liked the lightsaber fights. It’s something simple you can gravitate towards, but it gets more complex as you get older, and they understand the story a lot more.

Been to a Star Wars convention?

I never had the time. Trust and believe me, I’m going to one. I’ll dress up as Darth Vadar with a lightsaber and walk around.

Pregame routine?

It’s simple. For breakfast, I’ll have pancakes, bacon and eggs, and potatoes. Nothing too serious at all. I’ve been learning some Japanese, and I’ll work on that, put on some Star Wars music, some of the epic stuff, and then go out there and play.

Why did you learn Japanese?

I had an Uber driver who learned six different languages, and I only know English and some Latin for some reason. I’m like, “Why not learn a second language?’ Just because. Japanese became the one since I watch a lot of anime (Japanese animation).  

How is the process of learning Japanese going?

I can say some words, but I don’t know if I have the confidence to hold a conversation.

Have you used Japanese yet?

Not yet. Just learning at least once a day to keep my streak going. I have a 164-day streak going.

Is this something you do online?

I have an app on my phone. I learn a word, but I learn how to draw the Japanese symbol for my dad.

Any Japanese background in your family?

Absolutely not.

Do you cook?

My mom helped me out. I can make a tuna casserole and scrambled eggs with cheese and bacon. I know how to make pancakes, thanks to my dad. I’m trying to learn other stuff but haven’t gotten there yet. After watching a whole bunch of cooking videos, I have a good grasp. My mom says I can make a killer grilled cheese.

What’s your favorite dish you have to eat that your mom makes?

It’s the tuna casserole, the one I know how to make. It’s just simple. Cream of mushroom soup, tuna, milk, cheese, pasta and you bake that in the oven, and you put the cheese on top, so it browns. That tastes so good, especially with the right amount of seasoning. I can’t forget about my mom’s mac and cheese. I look forward to every single Thanksgiving and Christmas for that. She told me, ‘Don’t eat the entire pan. You have a game the next day.’ I didn’t care.

Who’s your favorite Purdue offensive lineman to go up against in practice?

I only go up against Gus (Hartwig), but he is my favorite guy to go against because he’s experienced. He’s making me better, and I’m making him better. Plus, he’s a cool guy.

When you came out of the transfer portal, who else did you consider?

I wanted to stay in conference. Schools tried to talk to me, but it was Purdue, Florida State, and Duke. Purdue was the main one I wanted to go to.

Have you played the EA Sports College Football 25?

I think I have over 150 hours on that already.

Are you good?

Kind of. I think I can beat most people on the team, not everybody. I don’t look up schemes to beat them. I just roll with the team and hope for the best.

Were you happy with your ranking?

Not really. They had me as a 73 overall, and they also have Jeff (M’Ba) and Joseph (Anderson) as the nose tackles for some reason, and I’m the fourth-string defensive tackle. They did give me 95 strength. I’ll take the strength.

In 20 years, you’ll be doing what?

I’ll probably be coaching, and if not, hopefully, I’ve made enough money to retire peacefully in maybe California and LA.

High school or college coaching?

I prefer college, but if high school is a road to take, why not help the community? Maybe go back to Carmel and see if they need a D-line coach.

If you didn’t play football, what’s your sport?

I was a killer lacrosse player in high school. My freshman year was the only time I played lacrosse, but I had so much fun. I would play it again or maybe do something less taxing on the body, like golf.

Do you actually play golf?

No, I don’t because my body hurts.