Ryan was the starting center on the winningest boys basketball in Pennsylvania prep history.

His junior year, the Crusaders went 35-0 and won the 2003 PIAA Class AAA Championship by toppling Perry Traditional Academy 75-59 at the Giant Center in Hershey.

In that game, broadcast statewide by PCN, Ryan demonstrated outstanding athletic ability that transformed a little-known junior tight end into one of the most hotly recruited football players in the state.

Purvis was recruited by a host of Division 1 football programs, including the University of Pittsburgh and UCLA.

He made two catches for 40 yards, including a 25-yard touchdown reception, against Navy in the Meineke Car Care Bowl.

[5] Purvis was promoted to the active roster on December 28 after running back Earnest Graham and defensive end Jimmy Wilkerson were placed on injured reserve.