Interview: 3-Star 2021 Mississippi LB Joseph Perryman Covers Spring Visits
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The name of the game for the modern-day linebacker is versatility. No longer can a linebacker just be excellent at stopping the run, they have to run, blitz, and most importantly have the hips to drop back into coverage in a zone and in one-on-one situations. All that is the embodiment of the growth Joseph Perryman is putting into his game with Madison Central High School.
At the Mississippi 6A classification, the play on the field is fierce. Rosters are lined with guys that will be filling spots on collegiate teams in the future. That level of competition brings the cream of the crop to the top, and Perryman is a three-star recruit on the rise. The 6-0, 205-pound, defender racked up 43 tackles with six tackles for a loss, four sacks, and forced a fumble as a sophomore. With the expectation to improve, Perryman came ready to play in 2019. In a 3-3 defensive alignment, Perryman manned the middle of the Jaguars box coming up with a low estimated stat line of 62 stops with at least two tackles for a loss, three quarterback hurries, and a forced fumble helping his team to a 9-3 finish (full stats not released yet).
The physical skills brought to the gridiron along with the productivity against top players has Perryman’s name going up on college recruiting boards across the country. Three offers have been dropped so far from Florida State, Georgia Tech, and Ole Miss with top SEC and ACC programs showing interest.
In an RNG exclusive interview, Perryman breaks down his play during his junior season while covering his upcoming recruiting visits.
Interview
Joe, watching you play, you bring a needed attitude to the field from you linebacker spot. When the ball is teed up for a game, what is your mindset on the field?
“My mindset is to make sure my team is ready. We don’t want to give an inch to the offense. I want to make sure my teammates are in the right spot. For me, I love going after the ball and butting heads. I don’t want to give up a yard.”
How do you get into that head space ready to take on linemen and running backs trying to come your way?
“We listen to music as team bonding thing. We take a knee before the game, pray, and hear inspiring words from our coaches. We want to go out there to get the win.”
Looks like you guys were running a 3-3 front with you inside. What were your responsibilities within the defensive scheme in 2019?
“Always run first. My key is to read the guards, they take you to the play. If they pull, you know where the ball is going. If they are throwing, I drop back into coverage. We study the playbook of that offense to know what they are running for each game.”
Was there a challenge you faced during the season? If so, how did you overcome that challenge becoming a better player going through the adversity?
“Not so much a challenge, but adjusting each week to the next team. Each week was an adjustment getting used to their habits. Some offensive linemen sit back, are they pulling or pass blocking? Knowing the keys for the plays makes a difference in the game.”
Which game was your best personal performance?
“Honestly, my top two games were Clinton and Pearl.”
What made those contests your best?
“I had that dog in me. I have it every game, but in those two games… against Clinton and Hayes Bufkin and I, we had the most tackles for the team. In the Pearl game, both were top teams, it was a rivalry game. We went back and forth. They have a good running back; it was a competitive game.”
How do you feel your overall game improved throughout your junior year?
“My game improved by running to the ball, applying pressure, and going sideline to sideline. You have to cover like a DB and hit like a defensive lineman as a linebacker. College coaches want to see that dog in you hitting someone and cover. My coaches helped me with all of that.”
Your play is attracting a collegiate crowd. Which schools are showing interest?
“LSU, Alabama, Auburn, Notre Dame, Kentucky, and Louisville are showing interest.”
Which schools have offered?
“Florida State, Georgia Tech, and Ole Miss.”
This winter or spring, do you plan to visit any programs?
“Yes. I will go to LSU this spring. I want to see their campus again. I plan on also visiting Florida State, Mississippi State, Ole Miss, Georgia Tech, Auburn, and Alabama.”
Next season, will you be playing the same positions or will you switch it up?
“I know I’m playing linebacker. We had a great team this year, even though we fell short of our goals. We are losing a lot on offense for next year. The coaches may have me on offense playing fullback.”
That makes sense. Returning at linebacker and possibly playing fullback, what will you focus on this offseason with your workouts?
“Playing 6A football, we are big on being physical. Our coaches are leading us towards that mentality in the weight room. We compete against each other on Fridays. They are pushing us to be better. We are getting ready for a state title run 2020.”
Joe, thanks for your time today and good luck with your upcoming visits.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Perryman family; Joseph Perryman at a camp and Alabama