Johnson, Perryman Ranked Among Nation's Best

CORAL GABLES, Fla. — University of Miami junior running back Duke Johnson and senior linebacker Denzel Perryman were rated among the best 40 college football players in the nation in a countdown released by ESPN.com.

Perryman, a 2013 All-ACC first team selection at linebacker, was tied for No. 35 in a countdown of the top 100 college players. Johnson – a second-team All-ACC selection in 2013 despite missing the final five games of the season due to injury – was in a three-way tie for No. 24.

Perryman started all 13 games at outside linebacker for the Hurricanes a season ago. In addition to earning All-America Honorable Mention honors from SI.com, Perryman was the recipient of the Hurricanes’ 2013 Hard Hitter Award and Defensive MVP award.

In addition, Perryman was ranked No. 6 in an ESPN.com countdown of the top players in the ACC.

“A first-team All-ACC selection, Perryman is the heart and soul of Miami’s defense,” the report reads.

Johnson rushed for 920 yards and six TDs in eight games before suffering a season-ending ankle injury. The Miami native, who will likely become just the ninth running back in program history to top the 2,000-yard mark, enters his junior season with 1,867 career rushing yards in 20 games.

“The most dynamic back in the ACC, Johnson has his sights set on his first 1,000-yard season,” ESPN.com wrote.

Miami opens the 2014 season Sept. 1 against new ACC member Louisville at 8 p.m. on ESPN. Secure your seats to Miami’s home games vs. Florida State and North Carolina (Homecoming) today with a Two-Game Mini-Plan. Plans start at just $108 and include the same seat to both games plus a complimentary hat ($30 value). For more information or to order online, visit CanesTix.com.

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