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If you want to understand why Boaz Stanley chose Purdue, start with a simple idea: It wasn’t only about getting stronger—it was about getting smarter.
He transferred to West Lafayette from South Carolina in the offseason, believing the biggest part of his game needed development on the “mental side.”
Stanley felt like his physical readiness would keep improving with time, but the instincts, concepts, and defensive understanding—those were the pieces he wanted to sharpen most.
“When I talked to Coach Crab (o-line coac Zach Crabtree), I felt like he understood how to teach me more … instead of just focusing on physical development,” he said. “I feel like my mental side of my game is what needs to be developed the most.”
Look for Stanley to be Purdue’s starting center in the fall, a spot he occupied during spring drills.
Why Purdue?
While he knew Purdue had football momentum to chase, the decision wasn’t just about what the program was—it was about what he believed the coaching could build inside him.
He said the coaches “sold” him on how they would communicate their message not only to recruits, but to a full roster, making sure everyone bought in.
Stanley’s past football exposure also mattered. He describes himself as someone who learns concepts quickly, absorbs new playbooks, and fixes mistakes fast—traits he believes translate to offensive line success.
And the 6-4, 315-pound native of Georgia brings plenty of experience to Purdue, playing in 25 games and making nine starts (all in 2025 with the Gamecocks). After a post-grad season at Georgia Military College, Stanley spent 2023-24 with Troy before joining South Carolina.
Learning the Game, Not Just Playing It
As an offensive lineman, Stanley notes a few of his strengths:
• Understanding offensive concepts quickly
• Learning plays efficiently
• Adapting after mistakes and correcting in the moment
• Staying mentally focused—especially after each play
That last point is something his coaches have emphasized. He practices the discipline of refocusing immediately after a snap, rather than carrying problems into the next play.
“It’s just how to mentally refocus … after a play happens,” he said.
What He Thought Purdue Would Be vs. What He Found
When Stanley arrived, he discovered Purdue was bigger than he expected.
“I knew Drew Brees came here,” said Stanley, part of a re-worked Boilermaker line that includes four other transfers in addition to himself as well as a new position coach.
But beyond that, his knowledge was limited.
“I was very surprised … there’s a lot of people,” he said. “There’s a lot of students for 50,000 … and all these high rises they’re building.”
Marriage, Fatherhood, and Life Off the Field
Off the field, his life is shaped by family routines and the kind of steady support that can be hard to find in a college athlete’s schedule.
Stanley, 21, has been married for two years to his wife, Paydee and he calls her both his partner and best friend.
“It’s awesome. I’m more of a homebody,” he said. “She’s my best friend, so that’s been really awesome.”
Their daughter, Charlotte—nicknamed Lottie—has brought joy to every day since arriving earlier this year, and he describes her as an easy baby: she cries only when she’s hungry or has a dirty diaper, and otherwise spends her time smiling and watching.
Names, Faith, and Family Roots
Stanley’s own name carries meaning. His first name is Adam, but he goes by Boaz, a biblical reference from the Book of Ruth.
He explained that his parents liked the story of Boaz as a “redeemer,” someone who comes in and helps—marrying Ruth and bringing her mother-in-law into his household.
When Stanley talks about his family, the scale was just as significant as the faith behind it. He’s one of 11 siblings, placing him “in the middle.” His household included eight biological siblings and three step siblings, with five girls and six boys.
“That house is a busy place,” he summed up—especially during holidays.”
Community With Teammates
Like many players, Stanley says friendships formed quickly in the offensive line room. It’s a roster that also includes one other married teammate: fellow OL Tom Ewing.
And on the social side? It’s not always easy to match teammate schedules, especially when family responsibilities come first. Still, he tries to attend barbecues and gatherings whenever he can.
A Life Beyond Football: Fishing
When he’s not training, Stanley’s interested in something quieter: fishing.
He said he bought a kayak so he can fish on lakes, and he even described a cool catch from a trip to South Carolina—one he’ll remember for a long time: a stingray.
“I haven’t really caught anything like crazy,” he admitted. “But I’ve caught a couple really big fish.”
The Big Idea Behind His Purdue Journey
At the center of everything he said—his recruitment, his mindset, his discipline, and his family life—is one goal: moving forward.
He believes Purdue is giving him the mental training that will elevate him “to the next level” of football skill.
And if mental toughness is the foundation, then his story shows why he’s ready to build on it—one refocused play at a time.
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