Hobart and William Smith Colleges Athletics

A defensive end, Purtell was named to the 2004 Don Hansen's Football Gazette All-America second team. The Football Gazette East Region and Liberty League Defensive Player of the Year shared the team lead with 71 tackles despite missing two games due to illness. Purtell recorded 14.5 tackles for a loss, including 4.5 sacks.

Purtell completed his career with 155 tackles (74 solo), 24.5 sacks, eight tackles for a loss, three forced fumbles, and recovered five fumbles.