George Karlaftis Improving His Leadership, Setting the Standard for Purdue Football
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — George Karlaftis has become the face of the Purdue defense ahead of the upcoming college football season. He earned recognition for wreaking havoc on Big Ten offenses as a true freshman in 2019.
So far, he's led the way by showcasing an indomitable work ethic off the field and an unrelenting style of play on it. But just leading by example simply isn't going to cut it anymore.
As Karlaftis enters the 2021 college football season as an upperclassman, it's his turn to step up as a leader. Purdue Co-defensive coordinator and defensive line coach Mark Hagen challenged him to set the standard for not only himself, but the entire defense.
"I've kind of taken it upon myself to improve in that aspect. It's tough as the guy that's always kind of had older guys there and always feeling like the young guy," Karlaftis said. "Well, now I'm a junior. I'm one of the older guys in the room, so it was tough transitioning into that role."
Holding teammates accountable hasn't been the only challenge for Karlaftis this offseason. After starting in just three games for the Boilermakers last season due to injury and COVID-19 issues, he's worked diligently to return to full health.
Now that he's at his peak, players and coaches are relying on him to speak up and help lead a team looking for drastic improvements this season.
Last season, the Purdue defense was dead last in the conference in total sacks. It gave up 399 total yards per game and struggled to maintain aggressiveness. This year, with a new defensive staff, that's starting to change.
Karlaftis is looking to lead that charge with his actions and his words, even if it's not exactly what he's used to doing.
"He's not the most vocal guy in the world, he's going to lead by example, but that's not always the most important. Leading by example is good, but you gotta bring other people along with you," Hagen said of Karlaftis. "And sometimes he's had to get out of his comfort zone and speak up when guys aren't meeting that standard. And that's what the great leaders do.
"So you not only set the standard, but you make sure everybody's adhering to that standard. He's doing more of that I think he's come a long way but still has a long way to go."
Throughout fall camp, Karlaftis was one of the first players to scream out in excitement when the defense made a play. He brings exuberant energy every single day, but what we don't always get to see is how he improves himself and the people around him through preparation.
Whether it's lifting weights, watching film or preparing meals, Karlaftis does all he can to perform at the highest level. It's what helped him record 54 total tackles, 17 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks as a freshman.
In my happy place 😎 pic.twitter.com/i93YQEM0PL
— George Karlaftis III (@TheGK3) August 20, 2021
"He's a pro in how he handles the day-to-day process," Hagen said. "And what I mean by that is he's eating right, he's in extra in the training room when he's not hurt, just taking care of his body and he's getting enough sleep.
"He's a guy that wants to meet every day, in addition to what you're doing in your overall meetings. He's calling me on the phone before I've even gotten through all the film because he's already watched it."
The Purdue football program has already analyzed every repetition of spring practices, and Karlaftis has studied the edge players selected in the 2021 NFL Draft to improve his own skills.
Karlaftis was even trying to start watching film on Oregon State back in May, but Hagen said he had to slow him down.
"He's just off the charts from wanting to be the very best he can be. And right now, we've got a good O-line, but we know we're gonna play some better ones out there," Hagen said. "And that's it's not a knock against our guys, but I told George you got to go out every day and practice to a standard not just against the guy you're across from, but practice to the standard that you set for yourself. And he's focused on doing that."
It's been a challenge for Karlaftis but the 2021 season will provide an opportunity to develop more than just his pass-rush technique.
Karlaftis is learning to become a better teammate while also becoming a better player. And so far, he's been more than up for the task.
"I feel like I've done pretty good. Obviously, every day is a challenge, and every day is kind of learning something new," Karlaftis said. "But it's not just about leading. There's not a certain way to lead, coach says that leading by example is like not really a real thing. Obviously you lead by example, that's just of admission, but you gotta speak when it's necessary. That's something I've really worked on, and I think I've improved."
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D.J. Fezler is a staff writer for BoilermakersCountry.com. Hailing from The Region, he is from Cedar Lake in Northwest Indiana and has spent the last two years covering Purdue football and basketball.