Purdue University secures top HBCU player through transfer market

Josh Burney, HBCU Star D-Lineman, Joins Purdue as Grad Transfer

Swapping the sequoia-lined campus of Fort Valley State for West Lafayette's boisterous atmosphere, one-time defensive pillar Josh Burney announced his journey to Purdue University as a grad transfer. According to Rivals, this move marks the latest transfer portal conquest for the Boilermakers.

Furnishing a 6-foot-4, 300-pound frame, Burney amassed an impressive body of work over his storied tenure at Fort Valley State — his key contributions stretching across the gridiron and beyond. During his senior year in 2024, the all-around athlete notched career-high stats, including 20 (or 22, as per another source) tackles, 8 tackles for loss, and 5 sacks.

This revered career, spanning 50 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and 7 sacks in 28 games, saw Burney clamp down in the heart of Fort Valley State's defensive line, culminating in a season that saw the Wildcats rally towards the SIAC Championship and an NCAA Division II Playoffs bid.

As a new member, Burney boosts Purdue's defensive tackles unit, currently managed by coach Kelvin Green. The team already boasts seasoned players and transfers like TJ Lindsey (Auburn), Ian Jeffries (Arkansas State), and Marcus Moore (Bowling Green), alongside returners Jamarrion Harkless, Jamarius Dinkins, and Demeco Kennedy. This addition takes Purdue's tally to 51 grad transfers during the offseason and 21 in the spring transfer window.

Meanwhile, Fort Valley State enters uncharted waters under incoming head coach Marlon Watson. Stepping into the void left by Shawn Gibbs' move to North Carolina A&T, Watson has wasted no time implementing his vision. An intriguing facet of this strategy involves the headline-grabbing hire of HBCU legend Willie "Satellite" Totten as assistant coach and offensive coordinator.

An icon in HBCU lore, Totten's esteemed résumé shines from his pivotal role with the "Satellite Express" offense at Mississippi Valley State in the 1980s. As the Wildcats plot their resurrection, Totten promises to channel his vast knowledge to revamp the team's beleaguered offense.

Josh Burney, a standout defender from HBCU football, has decided to transfer to Purdue University, bolstering their college football team for the upcoming season.
Burney's impressive statistics at Fort Valley State include 20 (or 22) tackles, 8 tackles for loss, and 5 sacks, demonstrated during his senior year in 2024.
Handing Purdue's defensive tackles unit a significant boost, Burney will join a team that includes transfers TJ Lindsey, Ian Jeffries, and Marcus Moore, as well as returning players Jamarrion Harkless, Jamarius Dinkins, and Demeco Kennedy.
With Burney's arrival, Purdue has welcomed 51 graduate transfers during the offseason and 21 transfers in the spring transfer window.
Fort Valley State, in the meantime, faces a fresh challenge with the arrival of new head coach Marlon Watson, who has already brought in legendary HBCU coach Willie "Satellite" Totten as assistant coach and offensive coordinator.
Totten's storied career includes his role in Mississippi Valley State's "Satellite Express" offense in the 1980s, and he promises to use his extensive knowledge to revitalize Fort Valley State's struggling offense as they look to rebuild and compete in the NCAA Division II Playoffs.