Purdue Boilermaker and former Wayne High School wide receiver Greg Orton has flown under the radar much of his college career, but is now emerging as one of the nation's top college receivers and rightfully so.

Orton has been a consistent performer despite Purdue's struggles on offense this season. Saturday's game against Northwestern was no different.

The senior receiver hauled in seven receptions for 100 yards and a touchdown in losing effort.

Orton's touchdown reception was a thing of beauty.

The 6-foot-3, 211-pound Orton streaked past two defenders in double-coverage to reel in a 32-yard pass from quarterback Curtis Painter just before running out of real estate in the end zone for the score.

The Boilermakers were pummeled by Northwestern 48-26 but the team's star receiver continued to shine.

During a phone conversation with Orton and receivers coach Brian Rock, I learned what makes this receiver special both as a player and person.

Hard worker

"Greg has been a great player for us," coach Rock said. "He has worked his tail off to get where he is and I think he's a great kid."

The coach has had the opportunity to watch Orton grow into an elite receiver as a three-year starter in the team's offense. Orton also saw action as a freshman and is an experienced receiver in the system.

"His work ethic is much improved since his freshman year," Rock said. "Greg is not a real vocal leader, but is a leader by example. He works his tail off in practice and when it's time to show up and make plays, he has the confidence to go out there and make big plays.

"I think other players see his commitment in the weight room and his commitment to working hard in practice. Greg's offseason program was as good as I've had over a number of years and it has helped him on the field. His hard work in the offseason has been advantageous to him, especially this season. Over the course of his development he has gotten better every year."

Rock added that Orton is a very confident receiver but is not arrogant by any means. He said that the world is at Orton's finger tips.

You have entered the O-Zone

Leading up to the big game against Ohio State a week prior to Northwestern, that's when I really learned of the receiver's competitive nature.

Orton was up for the challenge to go against highly touted Buckeye's cornerback Malcolm Jenkins, who is regarded by many as the top ranked corner in the country.

Orton described the match-up as fun.

"I came to Purdue to go against the best," he said. "A lot of people say that he is the best and I just wanted to go against him and show him my game. I wanted to have a hard competitive game against him and have fun doing so."

That he did.

Orton had six receptions for 73 yards and made a couple of key blocks in the game against Ohio State.

Despite the dismal season Purdue is having Orton still believes in the team's offense.

"I feel like there is a lot to improve on," he said. "We've lost some close games against some good teams, but I think we're almost there offensively."

Orton came into the season highly motivated and with something to prove. Even during these adverse times for the team his standards remain high.

"If things aren't going my way, I just have to keep working," he said. "I want to play the perfect game every game. You know, just going hard at everything that I do. Working hard to get open, blocking, just whatever it takes for us to win ball games."

The Boilermakers are 2-5 with five games remaining on the schedule. If the team has any hopes of salvaging their season they can start by getting the ball in the hands of their playmaking wide receiver early and often.

Big C's Scouting Report:

Orton is a big, strong, physical receiver with natural athletic ability.

He's a big-play receiver with reliable hands, good speed and outstanding body control. He has the ability to elevate and fight for the ball in heavy traffic.

Orton is tough to jam at the line of scrimmage and is a precise route runner. He shows a real willingness to block and will make plays when the ball is not in his hands.

Orton has a great work-ethic, good study habits and is mentally tough. He's very well-spoken and a high character guy.

Orton is a true competitor. When the game is on the line he wants to be the go-to-guy. He's not flamboyant and handles himself in a very mature manner in the huddle as well as the locker room. He plays the game with passion.

Orton is an intriguing prospect and will need to continue to develop from a technical standpoint at the next level.