By Tony Thomas
Last season, the Cavaliers of Archbishop Spalding High School of Severn, Md., won the MIAA A State Championship with an undefeated 12-0 record and dominated their opponents. The Cavaliers’ offense averaged 39 points per game, rushed for more than 2,200 yards and scored 36 touchdowns behind an offensive line led by 2026 OL Quinn Purnell.
Purnell entered Archbishop Spalding as a 5-foot-8, 170-pound tight end, where he started out playing Lacrosse. But he was committed to becoming the best offensive lineman he could be.
However, Purnell experienced a growth spurt and grew to his current height and weight of 6-foot-2.5, 286 pounds. Credit that growth to genetics.
Purnell is a football legacy that comes from a football family. His great-grandfather, Hawes, played offensive tackle at Mississippi State. Purnell’s grandfather, Rick, played offensive tackle at Navy.
In addition, Purnell’s father, Ted, played offensive line, first at Navy and later at Maryland. Quinn’s brother, Bryce, played defensive tackle at Virginia but has since transferred to Maine and has two years of eligibility left.
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In 2024, the young Purnell allowed zero sacks and delivered 38 pancake blocks as the protector and enforcer of an offense that produced more than 4,500 total yards. Also, Purnell can play both guard and center.
Purnell trains diligently at his craft. Every week, Purnell trains with Mike Dillon at FATBoys Oline. In addition, Purnell trains with coach Eric Nowell to improve his speed. Also, Purnell trains at HawgPerformance with coach Shannon Breen.
Purnell has attended several summer camps: National Preps, Marist Academics Camp, Duke Academic Mage Camp, Brown football camp and BONE camp.
Several schools have expressed interest in Purnell, including Georgetown, Bucknell, Cornell, Maine and Elon. Purnell holds Division I scholarship offers from Brown, Lafayette and Marist. This week, Purnell announced his commitment to Brown University.
The Godfather of Recruiting, Mike Farrell, said this about Purnell:
“2026 verified 3-star OL Quinn Purnell has football bloodlines, great technique and amazing football sense.”
Do you want to be promoted and get your game film in front of college coaches? DM Mike Farrell @mfarrellsports, or email Mike at [email protected].
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