Purdue University is widely regarded as the “Cradle of Quarterbacks,” having produced the likes of Len Dawson, Bob Griese, Mark Herrmann and Drew Brees.

The newest member of the signal-calling fraternity is Kyle Orton, a senior from Altoona, Iowa. Possessing a cannon-like arm that is the envy of every team in the National Football League, Orton quarterbacked the 2003 Boilermakers to a 9-4 overall record, including a 6-2 mark in the Big Ten Conference, and an appearance in the Capital One Bowl. He completed a snappy 61 percent of his passes for 2,885 yards with 15 touchdowns and merely seven interceptions, as Purdue played in its seventh bowl game in seven years under head coach Joe Tiller.

In 2004, Orton figures to be a front-runner for the Davey O’Brien Award (presented to the nation’s outstanding quarterback) and the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award (presented to the top senior quarterback), as well as All-America honors. He also is being touted as a Heisman Trophy candidate.

Kyle is majoring in history at Purdue.