When he was younger, Purdue quarterback Drew Brees dreamed of attending Penn State.

Talk about adding insult to injury.

The senior, who seems to be on the fast track to win the Heisman Trophy, is regarded as one of the top passers in the NCAA this year. But no one truly realized his potential during his high school years in Texas.

Family and friends wondered why the intelligent, athletic Brees was overlooked. He tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee as a junior, but surely that wouldn't overshadow his successful senior campaign.

Only the guy wearing the Penn State hat seemed to be realistic.

"It was one of those dreams I kind of knew would never come true," Brees said. "But it was a fun dream to have."

Little did Brees know that he would accomplish things beyond his wildest dreams. They would just be accomplished in a different uniform than expected.

After Brees' injury, schools from his home state lost interest. Brees clung to his dreams of playing Div. I and chose Purdue over Kentucky.

Boilermakers coach Joe Tiller and his staff knew they had a capable quarterback in Brees, who came from a long line of athletes.

What they didn't know is that Brees would be the most vital part of putting their program on the right path.

"We were obviously pleasantly surprised," Purdue quarterbacks coach Greg Olson. "He didn't have a cannon for an arm and he wasn't physically imposing."

A lot has changed in nearly five seasons.

Brees weighs in at 220 pounds and has proven time and again that he can throw the long ball. He can also take a hit and keep moving as well as scramble outside of the pocket.

Once overlooked by Penn State coach Joe Paterno, the Texas native's skills prompted the Lions' leader to compare him to former greats Doug Flutie and Ty Detmer.

"Drew is a very unique talent," Paterno said. "He would be that kind of a kid who is very courageous in the pocket. He is very decisive, confident and accurate, obviously. He has a great feel for the game."

Paterno's praise was not one-sided. Brees admired his former idol's team, despite its recent struggles. After all, it's hard for him to forget how last year's contest ended.

Brees remembers linebacker LaVar Arrington stepping on his head, recovering his fumble and running it in for a touchdown. He also remembers defensive end Courtney Brown's interception, which resulted in a score.

"Things don't always go your way and that was one of those times," Brees said. "You move on from that. It's a new Penn State team this year."

Despite his own success, Brees maintains a healthy respect for his opponents. Just one game could mean the difference between a Big Ten championship, which is a major goal for Brees, and second place.

After a heartbreaking loss to rival Notre Dame two weeks ago, Brees is not about to overlook Penn State.

"They really are a talented team," Brees said. "Looking at the 1-4 record, you wouldn't think it. That's what scares me. It's hard playing at PSU as it is. That's a team that could break out at any moment."

And perhaps no one understands underestimation more than Brees himself.