Perryman Fulfills Dream of Donning 'The U'
By David Villavicencio
HurricaneSports.com
Ask Denzel Perryman what it means to be a Hurricane and the 6-foot, 242-lb. linebacker immediately beams with pride.
Known for his nearly superhuman strength, outstanding instincts and ability to deliver bone-crunching hits, many would expect Perryman to wear a permanent scowl on his face. But talk to Perryman about the University of Miami and the Coral Gables, Fla., native can’t help but sport a smile from ear to ear.
“Growing up watching Miami, I always loved this place and I always dreamed of getting a chance to play here,” Perryman said. “I am grateful that dream came true.”
A gifted linebacker at Coral Gables High School, the same school that produced Hurricane greats Jonathan Vilma and Frank Gore, Perryman hoped to become a star at Miami like the Cavaliers turned Canes had before him.
“Not everybody can be a Hurricane.” Perryman said. “Being able to put on this uniform means a lot. A lot of guys came before us and showed us how its supposed to be done. Putting on that uniform and that helmet with a U on it means something.”
The punishing tackler, who wracked up 137 tackles (seven for loss), four sacks and returned an interception for a touchdown as a senior at Gables, knew his dream would finally become a reality when the Hurricanes offered him a scholarship.
“When I first got my offer, I was speechless,” Perryman said. “I couldn’t say anything for about 30 minutes. After I got my offer, I started to come around almost every day and watch practice and see how things were run here. I got a feel for the family atmosphere. The guys would always come say ‘hi’ to me and shake my hand and as a kid in high school that meant a lot. The family atmosphere here made this place feel like home.”
Perryman arrived at Miami prior to the 2011 season and he was hungry to make an impact. He looked to veterans like Sean Spence to see what it took to be a star linebacker for the Hurricanes.
“Coming in, I would get with the older guys and they showed me the way and passed on knowledge,” Perryman said. “Talking with Sean, he always told me to make sure I got in the playbook. ‘Make sure you know what you’re doing so you can play the game within the scheme.’ My dad used to tell me that, too. Because of that advice, I can always I always go balls to the wall when I’m playing and I try to teach that to our younger guys like Sean did to me.”
His combination of physical ability, football IQ and incredible work ethic helped Perryman become a difference maker immediately, leading all ACC freshmen with 69 tackles in 2011. A year later, he was a third-team All-ACC selection by Phil Steele and earned All-ACC honorable mention by the ACSMA and the ACC head coaches, despite playing in just nine games.
The standout performances continued in 2013, when Perryman was an All-America honorable mention selection by SI.com. He led the team with 108 total tackles, including 69 solo stops, and had six games with 10+ tackles, earning a first-team All-ACC selection by ACSMA and the ACC head coaches. He was a second-team All-ACC choice by Athlon Sports and an All-ACC selection by The Sporting News. Perryman also was named the 2013 Defensive MVP and earned the 2013 Hard Hitter Award at the Hurricanes’ postseason awards banquet.
While he is an outstanding player week in and week out, Perryman has a propensity for playing his best in big games. He tallied 13 tackles and forced a fumble in Miami’s 21-16 win over No. 12/9 Florida on Sept. 6, 2013, earning ACC Linebacker of the Week for his huge performance against the Gators.
“Beating Florida my junior year might be my favorite memory,” Perryman said. “The truth is just being here with the guys is great. Every day you have a great memory, but beating Florida was special.”
Perryman’s career continued to rise, peaking in a senior season in which he recorded 110 tackles – including a career-high 79 solo tackles. The hard-hitting middle linebacker is the heart and soul of Miami’s defense. He has set career-highs in tackles for loss (9.5), sacks (2), forced fumbles (3) and pass breakups (5).
His stellar play has not gone unnoticed, as Perryman was named one of five finalists for the 2014 Butkus Award honoring the nation’s top linebacker. He was also named to the 2014 Associated Press All-America, Third Team and earned 2014 First Team All-ACC honors for the second consecutive season.
“It means a lot to be recognized as one of the best linebackers in the country,” Perryman said. “That was something I always wanted to do. You always want to win an award like that, so it was great to be named a finalist.”
Perryman and fellow Canes Phillip Dorsett, Ladarius Gunter and Clive Walford will all play in Saturday’s 2015 Reese’s Senior Bowl. The quartet will hit the field one final time in their Hurricanes gear, but Perryman knows they are Hurricanes forever.
“We’ve been through a lot of adversity, but we made sure everyone stayed level-headed,” Perryman said of the senior class. “It’s going to be emotional. It’s the last time I’ll wear ‘The U’ in a game. I know I will be emotional, but I am focused on finishing strong. It’s been a great experience, overall. I had a great ride and I am proud to be a Hurricane. ”
